For many students, junior year means maintaining one’s GPA, studying for the SAT, and participating in clubs or other extracurricular activities. With the workload doubling from last year, managing time and responsibilities is no easy task. This includes the added responsibilities of joining the Aberjona Chapter of the National Honors Society. With the pressure of excelling in academics higher than ever, being invited and accepted into the NHS marks a proud personal achievement, symbolizing academic achievement and prowess. However, the excitement of joining NHS is blended with feelings of nervousness and anxiety as juniors face the realities of the challenges that will come with the new school year.
The Aberjona Chapter of the National Honors Society at Winchester High School is an organization of students who have demonstrated scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Managed by Ms. Chakladar, NHS invites juniors and seniors who meet the 3.6 grade point average requirement. Once invited, students must fill out an application and submit it to Ms. Chakladar before or on October 10. The application requires you to include four parts: introducing yourself and elaborating on instances where you have demonstrated leadership, service, and character. You are also required to include evidence that supports what you wrote from people who are not your immediate family. Although the application process requires extensive thought and detail, in the end, students will often be rewarded with an acceptance to NHS. Once accepted, students must reach a certain number of volunteer hours a month. There are several opportunities to fulfill these hours, including but not limited to school events, tutoring students, managing bake sales, and other activities. Although there are many responsibilities involved in being a part of the NHS, many students report finding it a rewarding experience.
NHS members at WHS (@winchesterhs on Instagram)
WHS junior Liv Goyal relates to the sentiments and also mentions that although “junior year feels like a sudden jump in responsibilities, [it is also] kind of exciting.” Liv’s perspective resonates with many as students try to find a healthy balance between school life and personal life. Junior year may seem like a make-or-break year for many as students try to balance the rigorous school work with the intimidating college process. However, knowing that the WHS faculty advisors are always willing to help with managing the college process and academic management always provides a feeling of relief.
Although the pressure is real and may seem too overwhelming at times, there are also many rewards in being a part of the National Honors Society. Junior Ming Gao comments that although the responsibilities may seem overpowering sometimes, she believes that “joining NHS will enhance [her] college applications and future opportunities.” Furthermore, being a part of the NHS means members can take pride in the community they helped build. Ultimately, every individual’s experience is different, however, one thing remains true for everyone who joins the NHS: learning the ability to persevere through hard times.