Scholarship and Service: National Honors Society Revamped at HSAS
- Ela Oksoy
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Ela Oksoy, Grade 11, News Editor
National Honors Society (NHS) is a nationwide organization dedicated to student leadership and service. However, too often, a local chapter is merely a surface-level confirmation of strong academics and some volunteer hours. Common Sense investigates the recent NHS chapter revival at the High School of American Studies (HSAS).
The fresh renewal has steered the club in the direction it was pointed at for many years. Mr. Elinson, faculty council leader, describes his initial reaction to overseeing the club. “When I first took over in 2018 the leaders and members acted like a think tank,” he recalls. He describes the judicial board and tutoring program proposed by students, noting that it was “fantastic to observe.” However, COVID-19 would derail these initiatives and shake the club’s core.
Easing the club back into place post-COVID required care, as Mr. Elinson explains. For a while, it seemed to be back on track, with teacher appreciation efforts and schoolwide hot chocolate initiatives.
However, the 2024-2025 school year would bring another halt to the club’s ongoing progress. Mirabelle Medwed(‘27) comments, “NHS didn’t meet much my sophomore year. It seemed like presidents and members had good ideas, but little was actually achieved.”
As a result, the 2025-2026 school year brought fresh efforts to revitalize the club. Throughout October and November, the “New Founders” established three committees to redirect the club with an improved charter, strong guidelines for admission, and the necessary officer positions (for instance, event coordinator, secretary, treasurer, and more).
Sage Hyman(‘27) explains, “I was part of the Admissions Committee, and we ensured that the requirements to join NHS are clear and concise for anyone interested in being a part of it.”
This was a crucial step, as there is kindling interest among underclassmen. Xara Putney(‘29), who was a member of Junior National Honors Society at her middle school, expresses her interest in joining NHS at HSAS: “I love the projects that they do, and I think dedicating my time to it would be great.”
Chloe Wang(‘28) also comments she is “interested in joining.”
In December, NHS held elections to establish officers for a brief interim period until the regular March elections. The new election included uncontested positions and two ties for office.
Ace Andonov(‘26), president of NHS, states, “For the club this year, I hope that we make an impact both inside and outside the school. NHS will be a club where standards will be held high.”
Mr. Elinson similarly expresses his hope for the club’s future: “I think it is shaking loose the ‘rubber stamp’ reputation it has had at times. The current leaders seem amazing and dedicated!”
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