Blog
NHS: Not Only a Program but a Platform
Teenagers have a natural tendency to view the National Honor Society (NHS) as something that only elite and privileged students do. Way too many students drift through high school thinking the organization is not for them. As the school year comes to an end, I want to share why teenagers should consider participating in NHS...
Student Leadership
Honoring Our Humanity with AAPI Heritage Month
It's Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. In China, when walking past banners promoting women's rights and elevating the people's voice, my father would always comment on the fact that celebration or slogan is only needed when pride or circumstances are lacking. I think the same applies to AAPI Month. (more…)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Student Leadership
500 NJHS Students Earn Outstanding Achievement Awards
NASSP and The Education Plan® are proud to congratulate the recipients of the 2023 National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA)! (more…)
Student Leadership
Texas Student Wins NSLW Sticker Design Contest
Morgan Go, a junior at Stony Point High School in Round Rock, TX, is the winner of the first-ever sticker design contest for National Student Leadership Week (NSLW) held in April. Go is the secretary of her school’s NHS chapter and will serve as vice president next school year. Here, she talks about the contest...
Student Leadership
The Secret to Sustained Student Council Success
The student council at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, VA, has been recognized as a National Council of Excellence 15 times, ever since the school first opened. The award recognizes student councils for implementing a strong leadership program that meets council goals; functioning in an ethical and responsible way; and engaging others in leadership, spirit,...
School Leadership, Student Leadership
A Longtime National Council of Excellence Brings a Big School Together
Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, VA, is a large school. We have more than 2,200 students (who come from 10 different middle schools) and 215 staff spread out over multiple quads on a campus the covers more than 100 acres. One group that is key to pulling our entire school community together is our 30-person...
School Leadership, Student Leadership
A Fundraising Project That Changes Lives
When it comes time for students in the NHS chapter here at Thunder Ridge High School in Idaho Falls, ID, to graduate, just about every one of them would say that a highlight was this year’s project where we raised money to build a house for a Ukrainian family displaced by the war. I started...
Student Leadership
Inside the Backpacks of NHS Scholarship Winners: Discovering the Essentials of Tomorrow’s Leaders
NASSP recently recognized 25 outstanding National Honor Society members with scholarships for their dedication to the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. As they embark on a bright future, we explore what essentials they carry with them every day, from textbooks to tech gadgets, and everything in between. Discover the unique personalities...
Student Leadership
Trailblazing Leadership Week Celebrates Student and School Leaders
NASSP sits at the intersection of student and school leadership. Any progress in our schools must start with those who are a part of them, and the combined effect of these groups working together is greater than each working alone. This power was on full display during NASSP’s Trailblazing Leadership Week, April 22-25, which brought...
School Leadership, Student Leadership
Award Recognizes International School’s Student Council
The student council at Boston International School (BIS) in Jiangsu, China, is among the 337 winners of this year’s National Council of Excellence. The award recognizes student councils for implementing a strong leadership program that meets council goals; functioning in an ethical and responsible way; and engaging others in leadership, spirit, civic, and service activities....
Student Leadership
NHS Students Reach Out to Help Native Neighbors
Many of us take for granted that on cold nights we can get warm inside from our central heating. That privilege is not shared by thousands of our Navajo and Hopi Nation neighbors here in Arizona. Many of them—the most recent figures say as many as one-third—lack adequate access to reliable heating. (more…)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Student Leadership
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