The start of a new school year is followed with applications to the school’s National Honor Society, due past September 26.

NHS is an academic organization encompassing students with a excelling performance and portrayal of the 4 pillars of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character in search of Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors with these qualities.

“More than just students who get good grades … it’s a group of students who are leaders, who are passionate about helping others and improving their community,  more than just a grade in a book, it’s about representing honor and those the values that shape an individual.” Carolina Penagos, NHS President, says.

To become a member students must fulfill certain requirements. Starting with arduous applications where students must show the board their excelling Curriculum Vitae.

“As a member I’ve witnessed how important the application is and how accurately it portrays the reality of a students academic and personal performance… I now understand everything that was required in the form.” Pamela Raseni , NHS member, said.

In this application students must include positions and activities that display these qualities and write about their experience and how such activities enrich their lives and make them eligible NHS candidates.

“With the application I understood the challenge understood the value of NHS and the great pride we hold as members” Raseni, says.

The time and effort required to complete an excellent form has become a challenge for the organization, as students turn to decline candidacy due to finding no value in NHS or it being not worthy of such a stressful application.

“Honestly, there is nothing more heartbreaking to me. I firmly believe NHS is a great reward and a tremendous responsibility to give back” Penagos, says.

For many students it comes down to having an infinite number of other things on their plate and NHS not qualifying as a priority.

“I do [consider NHS a worth program] but I’ve never applied because I have a lot of things on my plate, I can’t juggle with everything and I don’t need NHS anymore with COSMUN and STUCO and extracurricular activities.” Federico Caro, 12 Grade Student, says.

Many students find the membership opportunity a priority and motivation to fight for it year after year until reaching their goal of acceptance.

“I’ve worked even more…I’ve been interested not only for joining NHS, in joining programs not only for me but for the benefit of others, I’ve changed a lot and definitely this year there could be a chance.” Isabela Molina, 11th Grade Student, said.