An Inside Look at 2021-2022 NHS Inductions

National Honor Society (NHS) welcomed 59 new junior and senior inductees for the 2021-2022 school year on Wednesday, Nov. 17. 

“There was an involved application process that every inductee went through,” NHS President Marissa Akins said. “The process included an evaluation of character, leadership, extracurriculars, academics and an essay about honor.”

These applications were then sent to the NHS club sponsor Frederic Laderer where they were sorted to get rid of any incomplete or late applications. 

“After the applications are turned in, they go to representatives from each department at Naples High and are reviewed by each individual representative,” Laderer said. “Objections to any candidates are presented, discussed and decided upon whether they meet the requirements.”

Once decisions were made, the 59 acceptance letters were sealed and mailed by NHS Secretary Emilee Huynh.

“I had to write all their names on letters and deliver them in bulk to their sixth period classes,” Huynh said. “Some letters were delivered individually depending on the situation.” 

Although the application process itself was tedious for both officers and students, setting up the ceremony was no easy task. Both Akins and Huynh worked closely with Laderer to ensure a well-organized ceremony. 

“I met with my President and the rest of the executive counsel twice to prepare for the ceremony,” Laderer said. “We have a script that I tweak every year, but I still had to order refreshments and candles.”  

Typically, NHS has their meetings the first Friday of every month in the auditorium. Akins leads every meeting along with the four Vice Presidents (VP): the VP of Service Lane Calkins, VP of Tutoring Taissah Marc, VP of Pro Shop Drew Mclendon and VP of Beautification Teagan Nabors.

“We bring everyone together and discuss upcoming events such as volunteering opportunities, Pro Shop updates, beautification days and tutoring opportunities for students,” Akins said. 

NHS is a nationwide organization for high school students that emphasizes scholarship, service, leadership and character. At Naples High, students are invited to join their junior or senior year.

“The ideal NHS student is one that goes out of their way to embody the four pillars including service, leadership, scholarship and character,” Laderer said. 

Akins ran for NHS President last year because she loves the society’s commitment to these four pillars. 

“I enjoy being in a society of like-minded individuals,” Akins said. “NHS students are academically motivated and share a passion for dedication to their community.”