This blog post was originally written on 5 February 2006. It is reproduced here for archival purposes and your reading pleasure. It is reproduced as accurately as possible with no style, mechanical, or spelling corrections whatsoever.
Current mood:I don't have a lot to add to that one. My writing style was a little sloppy, but the main points still come across nicely. It is unfortunate that the NHS attracts some members for the sole purpose of looking good on paper, but that's how it is. The points system seems on the surface like it shouldn't be necessary, but without it, the problem of reputation moochers would be even worse. Oh, and if you're looking for a working link to the current NHS constitution, there you go. I have to say there are two catchphrases in there that I particularly like:irritated Well sorry you all had to wait so long for this one the hit the web, but It Pok has been very busy this weekend as the debut album comes out next week.
Tonights topic: National Honor Society Group for Hard-Working Students, or Hoity-Toity Resume Enhancer? First let me say that this blog has nothing to do with news, but politics was not a topic on its own. As the name implies the National Honor Society (hereafter NHS) is a group that is established nation-wide. Acording to the official constitution it is designed to "create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools." This is an exclusive group which has specific requirements outlined in the aforementioned constitution. While the specifecs are not only unimportant but also uninteresting, I will not outline them here. (for anyone interested the complete constitution can be found at http://www.nhs.us/s_nhs/sec.asp?CID=135&DID=5290). The general Idea behind the requirements is "based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service." Additionally, "Once selected, members have the responsibility to continue to demonstrate these qualities." And that is where my little blog begins. The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast the organization outlined in this constitution to the actual body organized in our high school. In Huron High School the practical requirements for being inducted into NHS are being a junior or senior, and having a GPA at or above 3.5 based on a 4 point scale. As far as I know (and I may be wrong, but I'm probably not) any student in the high school who meets the two above requirements is accepted into the NHS. So exactly what happens once a student is part of NHS? Do they continue to demonstrate "outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service"? Perhaps. We all know that several times a year the NHS sets up a blood drive in the school gym. This is obviously an excelent example of character. But many of the members go above and beyond setting up the blood drive. Many members are willing to miss their classes to work the blood drive. In addition to the blood drive the NHS is also responsible for organizing fundraisers throughout the year. The fundraisers are often (maybe always not really sure) for charity, supportiung things like the rebuilding effort after hurrican katrina hit new orleans. So we have proven that NHS members display service, character, and scholorship. Now lets take a look at why a student would want to join the NHS is the first place. The NHS was doubtlessly created with the intention of giving students an opportunity to show the school and community that they are hard-working dedicated citizens, who are also successful in their academic careers. But there are a few extra perks that go along with joining NHS. For example with a reputation of displaying character, leadership etc. being a member of this club would certainly look good on a college application. It would also look good on anapplication for financial aid to help pay for college. And being surrounded by people who are also dedicated and hard-working would be great for socializing. All of these things are well-deserved by a student who is willing to give their time to attend regular NHS meetings, and acheive good grades, and help organize fundraisers for the less fortunate. Now lets look at the NHS from a different point of view. Immagine being an high school junior/senior who is soon going to be applying for college. It would be great to have an impressive resume so as to get accepted in to your college of choice. It would also be nice if you could score a little cash to help pay for college. And I think we would all agree that joining the NHS would make both of those things a closer reality. But obviously not just anyone can join the NHS. It is an exclusive club. However there are plenty of students who can maintain a 3.5 or higher just by doing(or faking) homework, and coming to class most days. So it is infact less than impossible for someone who does not show leadership or character to get into the NHS. Once a student is in the NHS though he has to do things like go to the meetings, and work the blood drive. Or does he? I've been told by several members of the NHS that if we were to look at the attendance records from the past few months we would be less than impressed. But what about planning the fundraisers, and blood drive? Well if a member isn't at the meetings how can he help plan the activities? that is a good question indeed. Somehow though these members remain members. How is that? That is a good question indeed. Now let us examine the government of our local chapter of the NHS. It is supposed to be a democracy, where all of the members are equal. There is some sort of point system in effect and members must get a certain number of points by the end of the school year. This would ensure that the members came to the meetings, so it seems to be a logical idea. The members however don't like the point system. When one of the members asked our NHS president what would hapopen if we took a vote to keep or abolish the point system, she replied "If you vote it down that's fine; we won't use it anymore." At the next meeting they had a vote, and the point system was abolished. But by the next week the point system was reestablished. It turns out that the faculty administrator said something to the effect that the local NHS is keeping the point system and that is final. So who is in the wrong now. If NHS is a democracy then how can the faculty admin. override a vote. On the other hand she was probably protecting the integrity of the society. Of coure if a member attended most meetings, and some activities he would easily have enough points to fulfill the requirement. So why then would they want to vote the point system down? That would mean sacrificed integrity. If the students are selected based on nationally established requirements, why then would they want to compromise the integrity of the society? Are the requiremants incompetent? Or are they just not enforced well enough? After all getting a 3.5 doesn't show leadership or character. So our dilemma is: Are members of NHS in it to show character, leadership, etc. or are they in it to make their resume just a little sweeter. The answer is probably different for every member. I'd love to hear what you think and I'd especially like some feedback from NHS members. So as usual please post any thoughts or Ideas as comments. This is probably my most conroversial blog. Let it be known that I have no intention of offending anyone, and if I did I'm not sorry.Next Topic: Professional Athletes in the Olympics
- I may be wrong, but I'm probably not
- I have no intention of offending anyone, and if I did I'm not sorry
