What is the National Honor Society(NHS) you may ask? Well, it is so much more than just a bunch of nerds! According to the official National Honor Society website, “The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) founded NHS in 1921 based on the four pillars of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.” It is a nationwide organization that focuses on high school juniors and seniors who excel academically and encourages them to become upstanding members of society. At Wylie High School, our 2023-2024 NHS chapter consists of around 150 brilliant minds who are all expected to serve the members of their communities and nonprofit organizations they may come across.
All members are pushed to exhibit the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. Four of our own members were highlighted for their particular devotion to one of the 4 pillars and asked what their recognized pillar meant to them.
Kathryn Anderson is the current NHS vice president, a lieutenant for the Belles, and a National Merit semifinalist at Wylie High School. For those who know her, it comes as no surprise to hear that she is a clear representation of SCHOLARSHIP. According to Kathryn, “Scholarship entails a genuine, lifelong love of learning. It’s not about grades. Rather, it’s about cultivating one’s mind and understanding the richness the pursuit of knowledge brings to the human experience. I feel that I represent the NHS pillar of scholarship by bringing true passion to my studies and seeking knowledge constantly in my spare time through reading.” Kathryn is known by many at Wylie High School as a hardworking student who excels in her studies; however, a specific quality sets her apart. Even though Kathryn works diligently on her academics, you can almost always find her at school events either helping set it up or just supporting her fellow peers. She makes time for her community and will actively take time out of her day to support others while still prioritizing her studies. That is what defines a true scholar.
Kolby Corbett, a senior NHS member and a part of the Wylie Pure Gold Band, was highlighted for his dedication to SERVICE. When asked what service meant to him and what his experiences had been like when serving his community, Kolby responded by saying, “To me, service isn’t seeing numbers on a paper go up or doing something for someone I owe a favor to. I think service is seeking opportunities to sacrifice my own interests so someone else can be just a little happier. I think this is a way that I can truly show how much I care for someone, and it allows me to let them know that they are known and loved. You never know just how much good your help can be to someone, whether it’s holding the door for a stranger or volunteering at a food bank. It never hurts to go the extra mile for others.” It is comments like this that have established Kolby as a role model for not just his fellow NHS members, but for future generations of NHS prospects.
Arnav Garlapati is the current NHS senior president at Wylie for the 2023-2024 school year, and he is a part of the varsity tennis team. He was specifically selected for this article by Mrs. Kirby, our head coordinator for NHS at Wylie, for his steadfast approach to LEADERSHIP. Arnav stated, “For me, leadership is the foundational element of practically everything in my life. I need to show that I can lead…whether it be setting a good example as a senior on my tennis team or teaching students quicker or more efficient ways of accomplishing something and counseling them. Leadership helps me showcase my willingness to make high school a more friendly and heartwarming environment.” Whenever he’s around, Arnav is constantly exhibiting the qualities of a leader. He has established himself as a reliable figure that anyone can count on for guidance in times of need.
Last but not least, Tehzeeb Grewal is a student council member and the current treasurer for NHS. She undoubtedly shows true CHARACTER in all facets of her life, oftentimes making other people’s problems and concerns an utmost priority. When asked about character, Tehzeeb said, “I believe the pillar of character signifies the value of sustaining ethics and integrity both in school and the community as well. I, myself, endeavor to always make the right decisions even when things can become difficult. I also practice self-discipline and take accountability where necessary in order to grow as a person.” Tehzeeb actively participates in many school activities with hopes to make someone’s day just a little bit better. She is actively working on making an impact in people’s lives, serving as a figure for others to look up to in the Wylie community.
These four members clearly exhibit all the qualities that set the foundation for NHS; however, they are just a few of many. Our goal for this year’s NHS chapter and for the years to come is to establish a presence in the Abilene community as a group that works for the good of the people. We hope to actively participate in individual and group projects throughout the year, so stay tuned for future updates! As you can see, NHS isn’t just a bunch of nerds. We are a group that hopes to make a positive impact on those around us, and we hope to inspire future generations to serve their communities.
Are you an NHS member or hoping to get into NHS? Contact Mrs. Kirby at [email protected] for additional information or questions.
