Though applications are available year-round on Buena’s website, members are considered for induction twice a year, September and February. National Honor Society is once again preparing to take in new members.  Applicants must be at least sophomores, who are inducted as probationary members while upperclassmen are inducted as full members.

            According to Social Studies teacher Barbara Williams, one of the advisors of NHS, the club is for “anyone who meets the standards and is interested in service for the community and school.”

            NHS is the organization responsible for the assistance to the Red Cross blood drives held at Buena. As well as their work with Red Cross, NHS is dedicated to helping Academic Decathlon meets and with other events that request the club’s support. A new service project for the club is twice monthly peer tutoring. Peer tutoring is open to anyone who needs help with core classes and is held after school in the library.

            National honor society not only has an effect on the community but its members as well. “NHS has developed me as a leader,” says Senior and National Honor Society President Callie Perkins. “I’ve developed great public speaking skills and great organization skills from having to lead so many people. It’s also taught me to always look for opportunities to serve because there’s always need out there.”

            For membership to NHS a completed application turned into either Williams or Gary Burden, another sponsor of National Honor Society is required. Applications are kept anonymous when sent to three randomly selected teachers for review. Those three teachers decide on which applications they believe are worthy of acceptance to National Honor Society. If a student’s application receives two or three positive votes he or she is inducted into the club.

            Two key factors sought in applications are a 3.5 grade point average and a volunteer work.

            “It’s a great way to involved,” says Perkins who encourages underclassmen who interested to keep their grades up and volunteer as much as they can. “It’s really an honor to belong,” Williams also said.