National English Honor Society set to begin; Student nominations sent

     North Harford will add one more honor society to its list of existing ones this year.  Teachers are nominating two students from grades 10 and up to be able to become a member of the National English Honors Society.  The organization recognizes and encourages excellence from students in English language and literature.

     Nominees are required completion of two semesters of English at North Harford High School and on a 4.0 scale, achieved a minimum of a rounded GPA of 3.7 for English and a minimum rounded 3.0 GPA overall.

     Senior Riley Stoneback took on this idea to start up NEHS since there was not one already at North Harford High School. Stoneback states, “we thought it would be a good opportunity for students that excel in English to have an opportunity to be part of an honors society that focuses on it rather than science, math, etc.”

     English is something that Stoneback enjoys personally. She likes to read a lot of books in her free time. She believes, “understanding how to write and being able to put your own thoughts on paper is a very important skill.”  NEHS is a great way for students to be able to use their passions in English language and literature to be able to share their knowledge with others.

     Students agree that joining the NHES looks great on college applications and it helps to build a sense of community of students with the same strengths and things in common.

     English Teacher Mr. Micheal James is excited to see what NEHS has in store. He thinks, “In a world where we have all of these accolades that people look to, it’s important that English is part of those academic awards”. North Harford never had an honors society for English before so this will be a great addition.

     James believed the decision of a nominee was difficult. James states “The English Honors society has its own qualification barriers, but I wanted to include students that demonstrate in class an intelligence in English. I looked at people who are very good readers and writers and actively participate in discussions..” 

     According to Stoneback, once NEHS is able to figure out their new members, they have plans for the future. She states, “We plan on going over to the elementary school and using various reading methods to help teach elementary school kids to read.”

The future of North Harford’s new National English Honors Society looks exciting.