At IHS, the National Honor Society Club is a coveted club where its members can grow academically and as functioning members of society. The NHS keeps its members up to a standard of excellence that will help them in college or in their future careers.
The NHS invites students to join, and they can choose if they want to join or not. Students are invited during announcements and only get 1 chance to join. Students are only invited if they meet the entry requirements of the NHS.
If a student is to be invited, they must be a second semester sophomore or junior, have a 3.0 GPA, be in the top 20% of their graduating class, take 1 honors class or 2 AP classes and be known as a person with solid character. A student’s neighbors and friends are asked about the student’s character. For a student to stay in the club, they must maintain their 3.0 (or better) GPA, stay in their honors (or AP) class, and not have more than 3 unexcused absences for a required school event per year.
Mr. Gaspar, the sponsor of the club, stated that if students are interested in joining the club they should “keep their grades up” and pay attention to the announcements for an invitation.
Tiffany Vu, vice president of the club, stated that the club revolves around 4 pillars: Scholarship, Service, Character and Leadership. Members also meet regularly to discuss community service ideas and projects. Mr. Gaspar also stated, “We meet regularly once a month”. Members also tutor and train students 5 hours a semester.
Members can also apply to become officers by making a video about one of the 4 pillars. It must be submitted the year before and can be up to 2 minutes. It should explain why the member submitting it should become an officer. A meeting is held to watch the videos and vote, usually electing 5 or 6 officers. If interested in becoming president, officers can apply and vote between each other to decide.
According to the president of the club, Jose Chaves Aldama, members of the club can earn a “white satin pendant stole” at graduation alongside an NHS stamped diploma. Aldama noted that members must put in the effort to earn these rewards. He also recommended the club to “anyone who believes in community service”.
