On Jan. 15, Manheim Township High School inducted 99 students into the National Honors Society. The inductees included 14 seniors and 85 juniors who demonstrated the skills to become a part of this society. The students had the opportunity to hear Pennsylvania Representative Nikki Rivera talk about her journey as a leader who continues to inspire others throughout her life. Rivera was asked to speak due to her representation of the NHS beliefs and values, including each of the four main pillars.
The Manheim Township National Honors Society is an organization that recognizes students who have contributed a significant amount of dedication to their school and community. The society is defined by four pillars: Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character. Each of these pillars must be achieved by these students for them to be accepted into the program, as well as meet all of the included requirements. Before joining the NHS, the student must know the meaning behind these pillars.
To demonstrate achievement of the Scholarship pillar, a student must have a 93% or higher weighted GPA and be enrolled in at least one AP course. However, this pillar goes beyond just academics, as it reflects a dedication to learning and a commitment to strive for excellence. The Oxford Dictionary describes scholarship as, “an academic study or achievement; learning at a high level.” According to the requirements in the NHS guidelines, each of the students are expected to exceed this standard, and must have the dedication they need to achieve it. Whether it means studying rigorously or taking difficult courses, all of these individuals have proven that they have gone above and beyond through their grades and academic achievements.
Similar to scholarship, the Service pillar is a demonstration of the dedication of the student. Though Scholarship portrays the students’ drive in an academic setting, Service shows the extra step of willingness to create a difference in their community. Service allows the students to make an effort to help others without expecting any recognition for their upstanding deeds. NHS students particularly demonstrate this pillar by volunteering at local shelters or community centers. Additionally, students will tutor and mentor peers, as well as assist teachers and individuals in need.
Mrs. Weller, the advisor of the NHS program, explained that “It’s important for students to really show how much they are doing outside of just coming to school everyday.”
Weller is a strong believer in the idea of getting involved, and continues to emphasize the importance of Service in the NHS which is about making a positive impact on the community and giving back to others.
The third pillar is Leadership, a characteristic that Mrs. Weller finds it difficult to achieve.
“Leadership is a really hard thing for students just because it’s a really hard thing for students to come by,” Weller said. “You have to be leading other high school students that are a part of your peer group.”
Weller encourages the idea that the NHS students strive to motivate and encourage others by setting a positive example for their peers to follow. The pillar enables students to step up and take initiative in times of need. Individuals who achieve the role of Leadership usually do this by demonstrating responsibility and reliability, as well as communicate efficiently with others. The program values the skill one needs to lead with integrity and make meaningful impacts in their schools and communities.
The fourth and final pillar is the Character pillar, one that refers to a student’s moral and ethical qualities. NHS looks for students who demonstrate traits such as honesty, integrity and respect in their everyday life. The character pillar reflects a person’s ability to be a positive role model by making ethical choices.
Gracie Clawson, a senior at Manheim Township High School, spoke about the importance of the character pillar during the induction ceremony, and how “…each NHS inductee is conscious of trying to uphold the character values, and try to do the right thing every day.” Clawson explained that, while the other pillars are more artificial, the Character pillar is driven by what is inside of you, and is harder to change.
“A student must really make an effort to have a good character,” Clawson said.
Regardless of a student’s love for school, the NHS inductees believe that people should always try to uphold these pillars in order for a brighter tomorrow. The program recognizes students that have demonstrated their abilities and impact in their school and community for a better future.
