On Monday, October 15, the sound of heels filled the grand entry as students filed into
WCA students were ready to be admitted to the National Honor Society, NHS. The sixty-eight students consisted mainly of sophomores but also included a handful of juniors. Across America, there are nearly one million students involved. These students had to maintain a high GPA, be involved in service projects, and have a leadership position. According to the society’s website, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character.
“NHS is special for the service emphasis that we place on it at Westminster. There really is not a huge time commitment for other activities. Once someone is a member, they need to keep their cumulative grades above a 3.5 and complete 30 hours of service annually. Holding a leadership role during one’s membership is not required,” said Jacob Mohler, advisor of NHS at Westminster.
NHS focuses on four main characteristics: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. In order to obtain the required scholarship, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. If they achieve this, they are then sent a letter inviting them to apply for NHS.
After they receive the invitation, students must fill out forms stating what service projects they have recently participated in.
One of the service requirements for members from Westminster is to attend Room at the Inn. Room at the Inn requires students to spend the night serving homeless people at a church in downtown St. Louis.
“Most students look forward to the time they spend at Room at the Inn. It blends service with homeless guests with fun with peers after the guests retire for the night. Also, since we link the NHS to service, that is the greatest aspect. This means that I get to spend time with kids outside of school to join them with serving homeless people. Those nights are truly great,” said Mohler.
If they meet the GPA and have completed enough service hours, then the students must focus on leadership roles they hold. In order to be considered for NHS, the student must currently hold a leadership position whether it is in school, a club, or on sports team.
And lastly, the attention is focused on the students character. Some teachers, their identity is unknown to the student, rate the students personality on a scale from 1-3. The National Honor Society wants their members to be well-rounded. Students who are not only bright, but also helpful to their community and have outstanding character.
The students from WCA who qualified were eagerly awaiting to be inducted. Speeches were given by Mohler and Katie Weinburg, a volunteer at the front desk and a former public speaker. Next, there was a candlelighting service led by two student leaders from Westminster, the third was out of town. Following the speeches and candlelighting service, was the presentation of the inductees. Dr. Jim Seifret, Head of Upper School, introduced the inductee to the clapping crowd of proud parents, siblings, and grandparents. As students crossed the stage, they shook Seifret’s hand then were given an honorary pin proving they were now official members of the National Honor Society.
The National Honor Society has been a symbol of excellence since 1921, admitting only the top students who excel not only in their grades, but also in their character.
