The National English Honor Society (NEHS) at Rocktown High School is more than just a club for those who love reading and writing, it’s a community & place dedicated to promoting literacy, leadership and service both inside and outside the classroom.
Co-sponsored by English teachers Katherine Ward and Audra Vasiliauskas, the club is led this year by co-presidents and juniors Rawan Shakir and Ayana Udstuen. Members meet monthly to discuss literature, plan events, and organize service projects aimed at encouraging a love of reading across all age groups, but specifically high school.
Udstuen has been a part of the club for two years, she’s ready for this year as the club has more opportunities to do things compared to last year.
“We want to do activities this year outside of school, especially since we couldn’t last year. It also really promotes reading and writing, which is important in life,” Udstuen said. “I think [the club] is important because we do a lot of things outside, so it helps people help our community more,”
The club’s goals this year include hosting a book drive and organizing visits to local elementary schools and libraries to read to younger children. While these projects are still being developed, Udstuen is excited for it.
“We really want to do two outside-of-school things besides just our regular meetings,” Udstuen said. “A book drive and reading to kids are the two main ideas right now,”
NEHS meetings are held once a month and usually focus on planning events and discussing literature in a relaxed environment. Membership is open to students who meet the national requirements for NEHS and there are scholarship and leadership opportunities available through the organization’s national website.
“There are scholarships and things you can earn money for. It’s open to anyone in NEHS,” Udstuen said.
Applications for new members are due Oct. 23, while the club doesn’t require a large time commitment, members are expected to participate in meetings and future service events.
Whether students are passionate about reading and writing or simply looking for new ways to get involved in their community, the National English Honor Society offers an opportunity to grow as both scholars and leaders.
“I do think that anybody would like it because we do a lot of stuff outside, which isn’t just, like, oh, read. You don’t have to write a 500-word essay for this, you just have to like reading and enjoy talking to people,” Udstuen said.
