• by Izzy Romano '14
• reprinted from the December 2011 issue of the Bulldog Press

The National Honor Society is a service based organization with the intent of recognizing outstanding students. According to Mr. Peter VanOrden, advisor of Judge’s NHS chapter, the society runs on the old adage “from those who much is given, much is expected”. And the members of NHS don’t disappoint. Members of the society volunteer at most, if not all, school activities, ranging from musicals to parent teacher conferences.

To qualify for an invitation to NHS, students must first have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, then the service, leadership, scholarship, and personal service of the student are taken into account.

Here at Judge, “students indicate their interest in the society by filling out an application,” says VanOrden. From that point, the applications are considered and students are then invited to join. After this comes the induction, in which the new members formally become a part of the society. Sarah Villareal, one of the five vice-presidents, claims, “My favorite NHS memory is the induction ceremony, where I see everyone so excited to become part of a club.”

This past month, 39 new members were inducted into the society, bringing the grand total to 91 students. These 91 students are led by six student-officers: President Connor Liston, and Vice-Presidents Rachel Benvegnu, Kyra McComas, Sarah Anne Nakamura, Max Stevenson, and Sarah Villareal. These six officers keep the society up and running: they organize, volunteer, and even plan meetings.

President Connor Liston, NHS member since his sophomore year, claims, “All of the officers are highly involved.” As the president, though, Connor does have a few additional duties. Connor consults with Mr. VanOrden on a regular bases, constantly running ideas by him.