A Thomas County Central High School student organization with a mind for academics and a heart for service gained new members this week.
More than 50 students were invited to join the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society organization. The induction ceremony for those students who accepted the invite was held Monday, Sept. 18 in the TCCHS gym. The ceremony was postponed a week due to Hurricane Irma.
Most inductees are juniors, but the organization also considers seniors who are not yet members and who meet the requirements.
“I feel honored to be able to procure a spot in NHS,” inductee James Gay said. “I didn’t apply myself the first two years of high school and this shows that you can always correct your mistakes.”
Trenton “Trent” Smith accepted his invitation because it was “a reward for working hard.” He said NHS allows students “to strive to be the best that they can be at school.”
“I am glad that I was chosen, and I wish more students wanted to join,” Smith said.
Inductee Emily Greek is “very honored and proud” to be included into “such a prestigious group of students.”
NHS is a nationally-recognized organization for outstanding high school students, TCCHS chapter advisor Brett James said.
“In order to join our chapter, students must maintain an A average in their academic classes and have no major disciplinary issues,” he said. “Our students are also required to complete at least 50 hours of community service.”
Hope Johnson is “excited” to join NHS. Johnson is interested in community service and said this area is what she most looks forward to contributing toward as an NHS member.
“I really love community service because it helps me see how we can improve our community,” she said.
Johnson also looks forward to wearing the NHS cord at graduation.
Membership is beneficial to students in a variety of ways that may positively affect their future education, including college acceptance.
“With our graduates attending colleges and universities all over the country, this is helpful when applying because admission departments are familiar with the requirements of NHS,” James explains. “They know that our students are a cut above the rest. It can also open many doors, such as scholarships.”
Greek said participation in organizations like NHS “look great on your transcript” and could help students gain admittance to their desired college.
Smith believes his NHS membership will aid him in achieving acceptance to his college of choice because that institution “is very competitive.”
New members are ready to begin their tenure as part of TCCHS NHS.
Gay calls NHS a group of students who “care about their future.” He looks forwarding to meeting other students who share his values and who take high school seriously.
Greek anticipates “being more involved with some of our school programs” and experiencing new things.
“By being in NHS, you have endless opportunities to meet new people, do new things and several chances to make your school and community proud,” she said.