PIHS chapter works for the benefit of others
By Amanda Bennett
Presque Isle High School National Honor Society president
PRESQUE ISLE — The four pillars of National Honor Society — scholarship, leadership, service and character — represent the four building blocks of a successful citizen. More than just a prestigious organization, the National Honor Society is the foundation of tomorrow’s leaders. Members of this society hold themselves to high standards of morality and integrity, while encouraging others to do the same.
Photos courtesy of Presque Isle High School
INDUCTION NIGHT of new members into the Presque Isle High School National Honor Society Chapter was held recently. Inducted were, from left, front row: Chandler Guerrette, Laurin Ackerson, Adam Flynn, Liza Buck, Kayla Girardin, Amanda Bennett, Megan Ireland, Rachel Dow and Karlee Bernier. Middle row: Lora Ireland, Heather Nadeau, Hannah Stoutamyer, Shannon Sweeney and Abagail Carrier. Back row: Clarissa Buck, Thomas Freeman, Scott Rhynold, Emma Bartlett, Meredith Stewart, Corey Willette, Gabriel Player and Josh Gordon.
THE PIHS NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY CHAPTER posed for a photo with Michael Sullivan from the Stop Hunger Now organization while at the Maine State Convention held in March at the University of Maine. Pictured are, from left, front row: Kayla Girardin, George Knox III, adviser; Laurin Ackerson, Hannah Stoutamyer and Lora Ireland. Middle row: Gabriel Player, Amanda Bennett, Heather Nadeau, Rachel Dow, Shannon Sweeney and Abagail Carrier. Back row: Scott Rhynold, Sullivan, Clarissa Buck, Karlee Bernier, Liza Buck, Thomas Freeman, Corey Willette, Meredith Stewart, Joshua Gordon and Adam Flynn.
DURING THE ANNUAL Maine State Convention, members of the Presque Isle High School National Honor Society Chapter packaged meals for Stop Hunger Now. Assisting in the effort were, from left: Meredith Stewart, Lora Ireland, Gabriel Player and Amanda Bennett.
Although many understand the esteem that accompanies each of the four pillars, the exact definition of each remains ambiguous. The Presque Isle High School National Honor Society chapter — although embracing this ambiguity — has, as a group, defined working definitions on which they operate.
Scholarship is defined as a student’s dedication and commitment to learning; the desire to broaden horizons and expand the mind beyond personal constraints. Leadership is defined as the ability to act as a positive role model and encourage others to achieve goals. Character is defined as maintaining one’s ethics despite moral dilemmas. Although all four pillars are equal in importance, the Presque Isle High School National Honor Society’s primary role in the community this year was service.
Service is the willingness to work for the benefit of others. This year, the Maine State chapter, as a whole, focused on the goal “feed the community, feed the world.” At the state convention, the Maine chapters packaged meals for the organization Stop Hunger Now. Stop Hunger Now is a non-profit international organization that sends nutritious meals to developing countries around the world for 25 cents each. In order to help buy as many meals as possible, the Presque Isle chapter hosted a penny drive as a Winter Carnival event. The Maine chapters packaged 10,314 meals to go to South Sudan, Haiti, and Nicaragua with $1,559.44 left as a donation.
Aroostook County took the goal of “feed the community, feed the world” one step farther by focusing on the goal “feed the county, feed the world.” Teaming up with Catholic Charities, chapters from Aroostook County hosted clothing drives. The clothing that was collected was sent overseas to developing countries in return for the money. The money was used to buy food for Catholic Charities to feed the county. The members of the Presque Isle chapter are honored to have the opportunity to assist those in need — both in the county and around the world.
