Although the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year has just gotten underway, many clubs and activities are working to start things off early. With this in mind, the National English Honor Society (NEHS) held its very first meeting on Friday, September 18, 2009 in the English lab with high hopes of raising the club off the ground.

With only a year at Paint Branch under its belt, the NEHS desires to gather more members, participate more throughout the school, and even give back to the community. Since the club is fairly new, it doesn’t have many members, but this year the society has the opportunity to grow. Through advertising more and tutoring current Paint Branch and elementary school students in English, the NEHS plans to build a more credible reputation.

At the meeting, club officers Caitlin Clem, Ariam Tesfai, Bezait Tesfaya, and Amy Kalsi awaited the arrival of current members soon after the bell rang. President Caitlin Clem and sponsor Mr. Karl Schiffgens handed students information sheets upon their entrance to the meeting, The rest of the officers mingled and conversed with members about their goals for the school year.

            Within ten minutes, the meeting started and members focused attention on the officers. While not entirely interested, the members handed in their sheets and listened as Mr. Schiffgens introduced himself. Proceeding with the introductions, Caitlin Clem welcomed the club and discussed club activities.

            The National English Honors Society planned a variety of activities, including plans to begin fundraising to place money in its account with bake sales and pizza sales, to set up volunteer work at a nearby elementary school, and to organize dates for the upcoming meetings. Mr. Schiffgens urged members to “watch the morning announcements for meetings.”

            After the club activity had been set up, the meeting turned to the more official business of fees and the new-member induction. A slight controversy occurred at the mention of fees when members became bothered and expressed that they would prefer to not pay each and every year of membership. Clem explained that the fees also went toward graduation cords, resulting in a need to replenish funds every year.

But on the brighter side of the meeting, Paint Branch students entered the lab questioning when they would be able to join. The officers answered these eager faces with promises of notifying them when membership drives would be held.

            The Society’s officers finished up the meeting by thanking the attendees for coming, as well as announcing tentative dates for upcoming meetings.