The National Honor Society (NHS) is a Tunxis Chapter service organization that hosts fundraisers, donation drives, and other schoolwide and community events. Most recently, NHS has hosted the annual Halloween candy drive, winter clothing drive, and holiday gift-wrapping event. The NHS President, Christopher Smith, had lots to share about the society, its goals, and its members.
“NHS provides a vehicle for many talented students to assist a larger community beyond those of just Farmington. Our goal for the chapter is to better the community and oneself in the process, and grow qualities of goodwill and compassion within society,” Smith said.
The society is nationally recognized and only permits a portion of each high school student body. Its application and selection process occurs at the end of a student’s junior year at FHS, and has a few notable requirements and expectations. Students must not only maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 90%, but they are also expected to complete a certain number of volunteer hours before applying. In addition, it is key that students embody the society’s four pillars.
“Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. Students who are inducted into NHS embody excellence in these categories. Scholarship refers to academic achievement, […] service refers to the desire to give back to your school, […] leadership refers to the personal quality to exert authority, [and] character refers to the individual,” Smith said.
With over 100 members this year, the class of 2024 NHS has already participated in more than 20 volunteer opportunities both in and outside of FHS. Smith has high hopes for the members of his chapter and can’t wait to see what they accomplish.
“My favorite part about being a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) is the opportunity the chapter provides in giving back to the community, on both a local and national level, across a wide variety of events. [E]verybody [has] a chance to participate in events they truly enjoy, which helps achieve goals of promoting community service as a lifelong activity,” Smith said.
He also offered some personal advice to those thinking about applying, as well as his current members. Juniors should keep their eyes out for applications in April and May of 2024.
“[…] I strongly encourage your participation and investment into this chapter – between its welcoming community and self-fulfilling events, I can promise your character will improve through your participation. And to those current members of National Honor Society, please know I am proud of all you have accomplished to ultimately establish a brighter present and future for [our] society. [K]eep up the amazing work!” Smith said.
