By Ariel Foss
Houlton High School NHS President
In April of 2009, I was inducted into the Houlton High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society. I was named president of NHS last October. Since my induction, I have been active in many activities. I have helped out at numerous benefit dinners at the Houlton Elks Lodge, including the Elks Christmas Dinner.
As a group, this year’s NHS class put on an Umbrella of Care dinner. I have also worked at the Chamber of Commerce dinner and the Breast Cancer Walks. I am a class officer and member of the student council.
Being a member of NHS has been an honor and a pleasure for the past year. I believe that my fellow seniors members and I have demonstrated the four characteristics — leadership, service, character and scholarship — quite well.
By Jake Peabody
Houlton High School NHS member
I believe being a member of the National Honor Society is a respectable honor. Being a member is a privilege that you receive for having a 90 or greater grade average and portraying the four critical areas that the National Honor Society demands —scholarship, leadership, service and character. I look upon my membership as a reward for my hard work throughout my high school career.
As a member of the National Honor Society, I have achieved many of my goals and desires. During this past year, I have helped serve my community in numerous ways; such as assisting the Battered Women’s Shelter with annual walks, vigils and food drives. As a group event, we arranged for a free dinner for the senior citizens of our community.
Being a member of the National Honor Society is a privilege and honor that every high school student should strive for.
By Stephanie Kreyssig
Houlton High School NHS member
I have taken part in several service related and leadership activities throughout my high school career. As a sophomore, I was chosen to represent my school at the Maine Youth Leadership seminar. I was able to demonstrate my leadership and offer my service by volunteering to do community activities, such as mailing letters for the American Red Cross.
As a junior, I was selected to represent my school as a Dirigo Girls’ State delegate. After being inducted into National Honor Society my junior year, I took part in several community and service related activities, such as the Umbrella for Care dinner, volunteering at the Dollars for Scholars phone-a-thon, tutoring and volunteering at the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce supper.
My senior year, I was chosen as the Maine Principal’s Award recipient and named valedictorian of my class. In all of these activities, I reflect the four core principles of National Honor Society — scholarship, service, leadership and character.
By Pat Hutchinson
Houlton High School NHS member
When I first received the letter that I was eligible for National Honor Society, I was shocked. I knew I had gotten respectable grades, but I had no idea I had done that well.
Being recognized as a National Honor Society member means that qualities I possess have to deal with leadership, service, character and scholarship abilities. Throughout my year as a member, I have been involved in helping out the [Central Aroostook] humane society in several benefit suppers and I have also volunteered to help referee elementary and middle school soccer games.
I realize that being a member in this society is a privilege, not a right, and I am very thankful.
By Maggie Garcia
Houlton High School NHS member
When I was a sophomore, I did not imagine I would be part of the National Honor Society the following year. Now, I have been an active member since my induction in 2009 and I take pride in helping out at Wellington Elementary School functions and playing in the community band.
As a member of NHS, my peers and the community recognize what I do. To be in the National Honor Society requires not only a high grade point average, but also the representation of the four principles — scholarship, leadership, character and service. If one exhibits the requirements needed, then they are honored with a spot in NHS that lasts a lifetime.
I will never forget my own induction ceremony and the volunteer work I do will continue past my graduation. To be a member of the National Honor Society give me an irreplaceable feeling of accomplishment and a sense of responsibility that will be a part of me forever.
By Hiba Bilal
Houlton High School NHS member
At this time last year, I was inducted into National Honor Society. Being a member of this group has been both a pleasure and a rewarding experience. As member of the National Honor Society, we adhere to the four pillars of NHS — service, scholarship, leadership and character.
From benefit suppers to volunteering at the hospital and after school programs, service is an integral part of my life. In order to be considered for NHS, one must achieve a grade point average of 90 or above. I know my senior members, as well as myself, exceed this measure. Being a leader means setting a respectable example and I hope to do this as a member of the student council and class vice president. All of the above attributes comprise character and make for a well-rounded student and National Honor Society member.
