EASTON, Maine – The Northern Region Convention of the National Honor Society will be held on Thursday, April 12. Activities will take place at the Easton Jr./Sr. High School and the Easton Elementary School.
Several students from throughout Aroostook County are expected to participate in the event.
“Approximately 108 students are expected to attend from schools throughout Aroostook,” said Michelle Osgood, a member of the Easton NHS.
The hosting school is selected based on certain criteria.
“It depends how involved they (NHS) are and if they can afford to host the event,” said Osgood, noting Mars Hill hosted the fall convention.
Conventions are designed as a teaching tool to provide participants with experiences that will enhance their lives in years to come. Each event has its own theme. This year’s is based on a popular reality television show.
“The theme for this year’s convention is The Amazing Race: The Challenge of Life, based on the popular television show. We’ll have specific challenges dealing with various disabilities, including a wheelchair race, a ‘mine field’ with participants closing their eyes – all sensory issues. The games are designed as a challenge, to give participants the opportunity to experience what a person with disabilities has to deal with,” said Osgood.
The selected guest speaker for the event will provide first-hand knowledge of what life is like with a disability.
“Our guest speaker, Jessica Littlefield, was seriously injured in a car accident a few years ago. She’s been in a wheelchair since the accident. She’ll share insight into life with a disability,” said Osgood. “She’s a 2002 graduate of Easton High School who now resides in Presque Isle.”
Current officers include: President Seth Cleaves, Vice President Briana White, Secretary Meagan Morin and Michelle Osgood, who is a state representative. New faces will be looking to fill offices following elections held at the convention.
“Pamela Murchison serves as our adviser,” added Osgood.
Osgood said she’s proud to be part of such an active organization.
“We’re the most active region. We enjoyed taking part in the state convention. It gives us an opportunity to get together and decide as a region where to donate funds. For the Shriners we donated to the diabetes camp through Cary Medical Center in Caribou. We support various other non-profit organizations in the area, including Special Olympics,” said Osgood.
Conventions also allow NHS members to meet other students with similar interests and goals.
“Conventions are a time to get together and have some fun – get to know other NHS members in the county,” said Osgood.
The April 12 convention will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. in Easton. Volunteers and food donations are welcome.
“Anyone willing to volunteer or donate sweets for the event is welcome to do so. They can contact Pam at 488-7702 for more information,” said Osgood.
