As October approaches, the National Honor Society executive board and members prepare to welcome the upcoming cycle of inductees. NHS, the culmination of years of service and dedication to the community, helps students discover new opportunities in the realm of service. Members are required to serve the local community through tutoring, volunteering, and nurturing their already-developed interests.
To enter the society, though, students must complete the candidate selection process. In past years, students have admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the lengthy forms and letters attached to each student’s submission.
“If I had seen what an actual accepted application versus a non-accepted application looked like, that would have been very helpful,” said Sara Reiter, senior NHS member. Thus far, the ambiguity of the process has left some feeling aimless and frustrated, unaware of the criteria that NHS administrators want to see from applicants.
In response to these concerns, the 2023-2024 NHS Board has implemented major changes to add ease and confidence to the application process. As NHS President and member, I have worked with the other Board members to implement new policies reflective of feedback from members, the most prominent of which included the need for increased transparency in the application process.
The National Honor Society Fair will take place during the Wilton High School’s Open House, Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria. The invitation for pizza and an informative walk-through is extended to both students and parents interested in learning more about the NHS Selection process. Current NHS members will present their own applications for future applicants and parents to see for reference. They will also be available for specific questions regarding the selection process, the society’s events, and its enforced policies. Additionally, NHS will present its new website at the fair, which has specific information and service form examples from NHS board members.
“Many juniors and seniors interested in entering the selection process for the National Honor Society have expressed that they wished they had a better idea of the requirements requested on the Candidate Information forms [applications],” said Ms. Gallagher, advisor of the National Honor Society at Wilton High School.
Echoing this sentiment, Adi Mital, Treasurer of the NHS Board, said: “The fair is going to provide a lot of clarity for students interested in applying by providing the chance to ask current members about the application process and how to make yourself stand out.”
The objective of NHS is to help inspire and support students throughout all facets of their lives: academics, service, leadership, and personal character. Making the process as seamless as possible will hopefully accomplish this goal, allowing applicants to highlight the aspects of their lives and service effectively.
“Our intention at our Open House Fair is to help to give transparency and/or clarity to the selection process,” Gallagher said.
Please come and encourage students from all grade levels and parents to stop by the Cafeteria on Open House night to get a taste of what NHS is all about.
