The National Honor Society (NHS) has been heavily impacted by COVID-19. The seniors of the graduating class of 2021only met in-person once at the end of the school year where their cords were distributed. The NHS meetings in the 2020-2021 school year were limited and primarily virtual. Jodie D’Alexander and Alissa Becker are looking forward to in-person meetings this year.
“This is a brand new year and a brand new fresh start,” D’Alexander said. Ẅe just love the whole in-person [learning] and we’re glad that it’s back.”
NHS started off the year with a community service event at Hidden Acres in Naugatuck. Hidden Acres is a writing facility known to have a soothing effect. The NHS members helped Hidden Acres set up for a benefit they were hosting that evening.
“The kids were excited about the opportunity to work together and come together,” Becker said, “especially given last year when they were not able to.”
The volunteer event at Hidden Acres was very special to the National Honor Society. It was a chance for everyone to collaborate while seeing each other face-to-face. The enthusiasm for this event was proven by the number of students that attended. The Woodland students were able to finish their volunteer work within the first few hours.
“We were able to meet new people and have great conversations,” said Becker.
The NHS has also hosted a book drive at Woodland Regional High School. The NHS collected used books from Woodland students and families. Many students read summer books or participated in book talks and were left with books they may never pick up again. Students and families were encouraged to donate books that were in good condition within the two weeks the book drive was running.
The NHS also said they will continue participating in Read Across America. In March, the NHS is planning on upholding the tradition of reading books to students at Laurel Ledge Elementary School and Prospect Elementary School. D’Alexander and Becker said Read Across America was a success last year.
“There was such great feedback from the teachers and from the students that were involved and that is something that is a tradition that we want to carry on,” said D’Alexander.
In order for juniors to be invited to become members of the NHS, they must hold at least an 89.5 average and 30 community service hours on record. The NHS plans for application processes to take place in late winter, just before their spring induction ceremony. Any juniors interested should know that the NHS meets once a month along with numerous subcommittee meetings in between. Those who are on the executive board take control of every meeting and help guide the group as well as keep it organized.
“We really are looking for them to be leaders and have a voice,” D’Alexander said. “It is what we’re doing all year long,” D’Alexander stated.
