Former National Honors Society (NHS) staff advisor Angela Powner reached out to upperclassmen students eligible for joining the honors society on Oct. 23. As the new cycle of students of the 2026 graduating class were thrilled at the opportunity to join such a renowned academic group, many questions regarding the benefits of joining resurfaced.
NHS is a club at the school with academic requirements that include upholding a 3.5 GPA overall, community service, leadership roles, and scholarship opportunities for exceptional students. It is the 103rd year of NHS empowering students by allowing them to take charge and help the community.
On Nov. 11, the school announced that the Instructional Facilitator of Technology, Corinne Brandstetter, and special education teacher Mindy Rich would co-advise the program as Ms. Powner moved to a new position outside of the school. Ms. Brandstetter and Ms. Rich hope to continue empowering and helping students while further improving the program.
“[NHS] will be an opportunity for me to get to know more students and make an impact on their lives,” Ms. Brandstetter said. “I like that role of building confidence, and I’m hoping that this will be an opportunity for me to bring some of that here.”
Both Ms. Brandstetter and Ms. Rich are expecting students to enter NHS with a positive mindset. The co-advisers also expect students to show kindness, honesty, and diligence throughout the year, no matter how big or small the gestures are.
“[Students] can make a difference in our community and the world around them,” Ms. Rich said. “They are important, and they matter and can make a difference. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. You can make a difference by making someone in your own life a little happier.”
Senior Miranda Ridgley and junior Bridget Lockett share optimistic feelings for the NHS and are eager for the volunteering and scholarship opportunities offered.
“[NHS] looks good for college, but it’s also just kind of [fulfilling],” Ridgley said. “You feel good that [you] are able to help someone without expecting anything in return.”
Despite the wonderful opportunities offered by the NHS, the main obstacle for students was the application process. Students were required to write a 300-word essay as well as record all completed volunteer hours and extracurriculars.
“I’d like to see digitizing records and how we can simplify the application process,” Ms. Brandstetter said. “I really do think everyone has something to offer and something to bring, so I wouldn’t want [students] to be discouraged by the application.”
As the new cycle of students enter NHS, the program’s impact on the school and the community is exceedingly positive.
“I am excited,” Lockett said. “[NHS] is the kind of thing that you always hear older people talk about doing and you expect to do it one day. I was like, it’s not around the corner anymore. It’s happening.”
