Blog
A Powerful Collaboration Between School Leaders and Student Leaders
Here in Washington state, we have what I think is a unique—and powerful—relationship between the Association of Washington Student Leaders (where I serve as director) and the Association of Washington School Principals. The best way to put it is that we work in tandem: The principals’ association supports principals on down and we support students...
Principal Pipeline: Recruitment and Retention, School Leadership, Student Leadership
Student Leaders Help Peers Dance the Night Away
In late January, our NHS chapter at Montrose High School in Montrose, CO, hosted a dance for students with special needs. While our students in mainstream classes organize several events throughout the year, such as homecoming, prom, and various sporting events, to help make their high school experience memorable, many students with special needs do...
Student Leadership
NHS Induction Essentials
Each spring, National Honor Society (NHS) chapters around the world hold induction ceremonies to welcome new members. For advisers, the induction ceremony is a major event that requires careful planning and preparation. Our store offers a wide range of high-quality induction gear, including certificates, pins, and banners. In this post, we’ll highlight induction essentials that...
School Leadership, Student Leadership
Chasing Hours: A More Meaningful Service Requirement
As advisers and principals work tirelessly to count service hours as part of their district, school, or program requirements, it’s important to reflect on the process and meaning behind collecting this information. Are we collecting service hours to check off a graduation requirement? Or do staff and students understand the greater purpose? Does a focus...
Student Leadership
Elevating the Importance of Teen Mental Health
Today is World Teen Mental Wellness Day. In honor of it, I want to share how school budget cuts inadvertently led me to take a closer look at the importance of mental health. And for that, I am eternally grateful. (more…)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Mental Health/Wellness, Student Leadership
What Black History Month Means to Me
I believe that Black History Month is not just a time to remember the history of African Americans but a time to understand the importance of three things: advocacy, activism, and societal progress. Over the years, advocacy in particular has changed our world for the better. As students, my peers and I are aware of...
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Student Leadership
Remind Your Students to Apply for the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award
Are your NJHS students showing their commitment to the five pillars of National Junior High Society: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship? Then encourage them to apply for the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA). The top 500 students will receive a $500 college savings plan to support their educational aspirations. Applications are due March 29....
Student Leadership
How LEAD Spark Leaves a Lasting Impression
Great leaders weren’t always leaders in every aspect or moment of life. The best leaders were followers that took the time to absorb knowledge and perspectives from all. LEAD Spark, which I attended last month, is a once in a lifetime opportunity for any student to ignite their leadership through interactive presenters and motivational speakers....
Student Leadership
How NHS Gives All Students a Bigger Voice
The National Honor Society chapter at Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, MD, feels like one big family. The same is true of our whole school, and especially the other student organizations and the science and technology program that I’m enrolled in. The teachers make everyone feel welcome, no matter your background, and the...
Student Leadership
Building an NHS Chapter From the Ground Up
When I joined the faculty at the Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, MD, in November 2021, I was asked by the new principal to be the NHS adviser because of my previous experience as an NJHS adviser. As I began to gather information, I learned that the chapter wasn’t...
School Leadership, Student Leadership
How NHS Promotes a Culture of Achievement
I’m always pushing my students at Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine, MD, to be well-rounded scholars. When they start applying to colleges, I tell them that admissions officers don’t just want to see a student with good grades. They want to see your activities and how you are part of the school community. And...
School Leadership, Student Leadership
NHS Chapter in Ukraine Continues Meeting Despite War
As Russian troops prepared to invade Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv International School moved to online instruction as a precaution. When the invasion took place two weeks later, a large majority of the 800 students—who come from all over the world—enrolled in other schools outside Ukraine, and staff members who were not Ukrainian remained outside...
School Leadership, School Safety, Student Leadership
A Natural Resources Program Thrives at an Oregon School
It’s not exactly common to see students walking down the halls of a school carrying axes and chainsaws. But not every school has a forestry program like we do here at Waldport Middle and High School in Waldport, OR. (more…)
School Leadership, Student Leadership
Why We Loved Our Principal
For National Principals Month, we are highlighting school leaders who have made valuable contributions to their schools and communities. A few of the people they’ve impacted the most tell their inspiring stories. This week, Janae Johnson shares about her former principal, Tom Hatch. (more…)
School Leadership, Student Leadership
Five Ways to Make the Most of Your NHS and NJHS Chapter’s Food Drive
The issue of food insecurity facing our nation is more pressing than ever. According to Feeding America, unemployment and food insecurity have soared in the wake of the pandemic. In 2021, 53 million people turned to food banks and community programs for help putting food on the table. Given this challenge, your chapter may want...
School Leadership, Student Leadership
My Path to Winning the 2022 NHS Scholarship
“Today, we make NHS history,” said Ronn Nozoe, CEO of NASSP, “by announcing an additional four $5,000 scholarships for each of the four NHS pillars: Character, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service.” (more…)
Student Leadership
Seven Tips for Posters That Pop!
Did you know that the average person will spend eight seconds or less looking at a poster? What's the difference between a hallway poster that students walk by and one that grabs their attention for all of those eight seconds or longer? Here are seven tips for student leaders to keep in mind for their...
School Leadership, Student Leadership
Five Easy Service Project Ideas for Your NHS Chapter
As advisers it is our main job to hold our National Honor Society (NHS) chapter members to the four pillars: leadership, scholarship, character, and service. This time of year, you may be looking for easy service projects to address that last pillar. I can help! I have been an NHS adviser for over 15 years...
Student Leadership
Where to Begin? What New Advisers of Honor Societies Should Know
Welcome to your new advising role! When I first started as an adviser, I was handed a box from my predecessor containing chapter bylaws, some plastic containers, and folders. I had no idea where to start or what to do. So, I printed out and read the handbooks for both National Honor Society (NHS) and...
School Leadership, Student Leadership
Celebrating International Youth Day
In honor of International Youth Day, we’re re-upping this post by NHS alum, Esha Singhai. This school year, Esha begins her first year at the University of Maryand. Her words reflect how student leaders continually make a difference in their communities and in the world at large. (more…)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Student Leadership