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The National Honor Society, known as NHS, is an organization that celebrates the achievements of hard-working students across the country. It is highly selective and requires a thorough application process. 

In previous years, candidates of NHS were required to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or above, 15 hours of involvement in two school-related activities, 15 hours of service in the community, and a leadership position at Marian.

In the past, if inducted into NHS, students had the ability to be chosen as a tutor. 

This gave NHS members the opportunity to give back to the school community in a way that was beneficial to their peers. Tutoring usually took place in study halls and lasted around 30 minutes or until the tutee got the help she needed. 

This year, NHS is changing the tutoring aspect in order to accommodate even the busiest of girls. The tutoring aspect is no longer a requirement, although students may still become tutors if they choose. 

This allows many more students to feel as though they have enough time in their already busy schedules for NHS. Instead, each semester NHS girls will do a service project together in order to still serve the community.

Mrs. Kathy DeWispelare, one of the school counselors, is a key figure in planning the NHS induction. “It is an honor for students who excel academically and allows students to be of service to their school and community,” she said. 

DeWispelare explains the change: “Previously, 15 hours of involvement in two school activities was the requirement. This has been changed to 20 hours of involvement collectively across any school club or activity.” 

This change was made in order to allow girls to try out different activities and find their niche and get involved in a more diverse way. 

DeWispelare said her favorite part of NHS is seeing “students getting recognized for their outstanding character.” 

Julia Walenz, a newly inducted member of NHS, understands how much hard work goes into the service, involvement, and leadership aspects of NHS. Walenz says that “To be a part of NHS you have to put in extra effort, and you also have a duty to act as a role model in your community.” You have to be able to commit to consistently bettering yourself and your education.

While some may assume that NHS is only a resume builder, Walenz disagrees. She says that “It has a deeper meaning than just another accomplishment because it is an honor.” She believes that gives one a sense of pride and a goal to work towards and accomplish. 

Walenz’s favorite part was being able to share all of her hard work and accomplishments with her loved ones at the induction ceremony. She believes that it is important to be recognized for your accomplishments as well as congratulate others.

If chosen as an NHS member, an induction ceremony is held in the PAC auditorium. 

Parents and other family members were welcomed to attend. Inductees walked across the stage and received a certificate of acceptance as well as an NHS pin. 

The ceremony is a way for family members to come together and celebrate the hard work and dedication of their daughters. This year 98 juniors and seniors were inducted into Marian’s Chapter of NHS.