national honor society field trip ideas

18 Awesome Service Projects for Your National Art Honor Society

Prepping for a new school year is a lot of work, and it takes a chunk of our mental capacity. Thinking about service projects for your extracurricular students is probably something you have considered tabling for later. We all know that using our artistic skills to give back is a great way to connect with the community. However, service projects don’t have to be large and time-consuming to make a big impact on your students, school, local, and global communities.

Many high school art programs offer a National Art Honor Society (NAHS) as an extracurricular activity. A big focus of NAHS is to bring art to the community through service. Likewise, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program has a Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component. Students are encouraged to tie all three areas together to grow through collaborative experiences that help others. If you are looking for activities and events for your NAHS and CAS students, or even just your art classes and art club, you are in the right place!

Here are eighteen meaningful projects that fuse art and service.

Small-scale projects.

Short-term, small-scale project ideas are perfect to keep on hand. They are quick, fun fillers between larger, long-term projects. Inject these throughout the seasons to fill space or to get the ball rolling on the new year.

1. Welcome Signs Create artful banners to promote a positive environment on day one. Print off locker signs with warm, personalized messages for incoming freshmen. Create pocket maps of the school or hang hand-lettered flags to identify rooms or areas.

2. Be Mine, Valentine Art students come up with the wittiest (and cutest) valentines around. Help students create pun-loving cards and then scan and print them in bulk. Students can then sell, package, and deliver these happy messages for a small fee. These cards help students feel special, and the funds can be donated to a larger organization.

3. Calculator Covers Janell Matas, a high school teacher in Illinois, keeps close connections with other departments when adding to her list of service projects. The math department keeps a stash of calculators for students to check out during testing or for homework. These covers, primed and painted with acrylic paint, send an art-filled message to those crunching numbers. This is also a unique way for the math teachers to label and track the calculators.

4. Cards and Care Packages Nothing touches hearts like sending original art cards and small care packages. Consider service members abroad, hospitals with long-term patients, and nursing home residents. Women and Children centers are another great local opportunity to spread love and warmth to those who need it the most.

5. Self-Care Coloring Pages If you are looking to boost morale or support mindfulness around the school, look no further. Students in Elizabeth Osborne’s NAHS in Illinois created artwork that was turned into a coloring book. Create a station with colored pencils in the teachers’ lounge to support teachers’ well-being. Share pages in the school library or cafeteria to impact the culture and climate of the school.

6. Google Classroom Banner Contest Osborne’s students also participated in a Google Classroom banner contest for other classes and content areas. Students connected with teachers from other subjects, advocated for the arts, and supported student engagement through art. The end result was a personalized banner for each teacher.

Mid-Sized Projects

Medium-sized projects may take a little more planning and collaboration with your community to get started. Schedule these into your service calendar based on what is going on in your school and the local community.

7. Window Painting Perhaps your community hosts a yearly painting contest, your school needs some pep for homecoming, or you are looking to show support for a themed month. Window painting is a fun and highly visible way to clock service hours.

8. Art Fair Fundraisers Print off student artwork to sell as mini-prints, cards, magnets, and more. Have students research charitable organizations and determine where to donate the proceeds. Save a portion of the earnings to cover supplies for future service projects.

9. Holiday Markets Schools often rent out space to holiday markets or craft fairs. These are good opportunities to snap holiday photos, sell hand-made cards, clay pendants, ornaments, and more.

10. Teach Art Connect with your community to teach art to others. Reach out to your local community center, YMCA, or afterschool organization. Teaching art to others through a weekly class or one-time workshop is a fun service project for your students. It promotes the importance of the arts beyond your school walls. Another idea is to connect with your school or district’s child development program. Teaching preschoolers melts the heart and may even make some art teachers in training!

11. Field Trip Fundraiser Raise funds to bring art experiences to other schools. Partner with a less-funded elementary school or work with other NAHS groups. Create opportunities to pay for a bus or ticket fee into a local museum for those who can’t afford it.

Long-Term Projects

Large service projects may take months or even years to complete. You may have to write grants, plan for funding, and get administrative approval for many of these ideas. These projects are worth the work, as they create a long-lasting impact for everyone involved.

12. Little Free Library Matt Milkowski of Illinois painted a Little Free Library for his community. Support literacy and make an artful impact with these small, communal libraries.

13. School Murals The English Department at Janell Matas’s school commissioned her NAHS students to create literacy-related murals to line the hallways . Students designed these murals in collaboration with English teachers and received administrative approval. Because murals can take months or years to complete (or add onto), you may want to consider working on masonite sheets. The sheets can be painted in your art space and installed once complete.

14. Functional Community Art Engage with your local parks and recreation department to spruce up benches and rain barrels with beautiful and meaningful messages. Your community might also sponsor a yearly “statues around town” event. Paint a fiberglass sculpture to advocate for the arts and share a positive message. These sculptures are typically purchased and displayed by a local business and later auctioned off for a charitable cause.

15. Empty Bowls This popular event, founded in 1990 by art teacher John Hartom, uses the goal of ending hunger to give students a sense of global awareness . This event takes planning and coordination with your community resources and student helpers. Participating in the long-standing tradition with both your school and community is well worth it. First, students create ceramic bowls for the community to purchase. Then, connect with a local restaurant to serve catered soup on the night of the event. While people are sharing a meal in their one-of-a-kind bowl, educate the community about the cause, how it developed, and about your art program. The funds earned through selling the bowls are then donated to your local soup kitchen or food pantry.

16. The Memory Project Another popular service project, founded in 2004 by Ben Schumaker, bridges cultural understanding through portraiture and other art exchanges. Students globally connect with children in orphanages who have few belongings. They create portraits of these children or exchange artwork with them.

For more on The Memory Project, take a peek at these resources:

• The Memory Project (Ep. 134)
• The Memory Project’s Global Art Exchange (Ep. 169)
• How to Change Lives Around the World with The Memory Project

17. Artist Collaboration Write a grant to work with a local artist or artist-in-residence to install a permanent mural in the school or community. Students design, propose, and acquire approval to create on a large scale. Chicago artist Phil Schuster worked with Kenwood Academy students to create a permanent installation. Through the grant, students created concrete reliefs that reflect student and community diversity. Plan to add pieces or sections each year to connect generations of students to their community’s buildings.

18. Healing Hospitality Help the pediatrics wing welcome their littlest patients with extra care. Create fleece blankets for hospital arrivals to ease nerves and bring comfort. Keep healing vibes flowing with mini-art kits for more long-term stays. Turn childrens’ artwork into soothing stuffies or create how-to videos to keep patients busy while in bed. Research and collaborate with your local hospital for more possibilities.

Remember, service projects do not have to be enormous tasks. As you schedule out your school year, look for a balance of projects to support short-term, long-term, and everywhere in between. Giving back to the community can be as large as creating a permanent mosaic mural or as small as a welcome sign on the first day of school. Don’t feel pressured to make magic fundraisers happen—traditions and memories will be made along the way. Your art students will find it rewarding to use their artistic skills to advocate for the arts while giving back to their community. For a few more ideas, give 9 Powerful Service Learning Projects to Inspire Students a quick read.

What are your favorite art-related service projects?

Which project from the list are you excited to try with your students this year?

In what ways do you like to connect with your school, local, and global community through art?

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

Janet Taylor

Janet Taylor, a high school art educator, is also AOEU’s K–12 Content Specialist and a former AOEU Writer. She geeks out about choice-based curriculum, assessment strategies, and equipping new teachers.

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Updated Fall 2020

Below, please find a list of ideas we compiled for virtual chapter activities. If you have other ideas you’d like to share with the group, please forward them to us and we would be happy to share them. Or you can always post directly to our Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/ groups/PLUNational ).

1) Movie Party Host a club movie night. There are many platforms with built in chat functions that will allow you to connect with each other during the event. One example is the Chrome Extension Netflix Party ( https://chrome.google.com/ webstore/detail/netflix-party/ oocalimimngaihdkbihfgmpkcpnmla oa?hl=en ). For a chemistry theme, Radioactive is on Amazon!  https://www.amazon.com/ Radioactive-Rosamund-Pike/dp/ B08CMDVZMP

2) TikTok Competition Post to PLU facebook group!  Join in on the TikTok fun by creating content for an existing TikTok challenge or creating your own challenge and trying to get students at your school to join your challenge. Share on your campus community platform and create a hashtag for them to follow on TikTok. For a chemistry themed twist, try kitchen chemistry demos!

3) Photo Contest Post to PLU facebook group!  Have students share fun and inspiring photos, campus-wide or within a group. Set a new theme daily or weekly such as pet pics, dorm-style door decoration, who is your quarantine fam (introduce family members, roommates, your cat), or most organized desks (bonus: this can also help equip less organized classmates with ideas to improve their own workspaces). Set up a hashtag on social media for everyone to contribute and follow and see which photo gathers up the most likes for a prize.

4) Post a Group Video Lesson Post to PLU facebook group!  Use this time to share your knowledge! Invite group members to record and upload their own instructional videos to share something they care about with the community. One chemistry themed idea would be to prepare a favorite food or drink and present the chemistry behind it.

5) Livestream a Virtual Speaker Event Gather members in your community together at the same time by hosting a live session, presentation or webinar for chapel, a virtual speaker event, or set up a video conference Q&A session with an alumni of your school to share career and industry insights with current students.

6) Career Prep Bring in a recruiter to talk about virtual job search strategies. Invite alumni for a Q&A session related to chemistry-related jobs or other opportunities for students with chemistry degrees post-graduation, including graduate school.

7) Virtual Field Trip Organize a virtual field trip themed around chemistry and science! Many of the world’s most famous museums are offering virtual museum tours to share their incredible collections while promoting social distancing. As a group leader, you can simply pick a deadline, create a virtual field trip and encourage members to attend the tour either at the same time or explore at their own convenience. Depending on museum regulations, you might share and discuss photos, insights and comments on your group feed, or alternatively set up a follow up webinar to host a discussion about the tour.

8) Book Club Connections Have group members vote on and read a selected book, graphic novel or short story and then meet up for a Lit & Latte discussion. Bring your own questions, feedback and snacks. (Bonus: If your assigned reading has been adapted into a film, ask members to check it out, too (or watch it together at a Netflix Party – see #1) and compare!

9) Guided Wellness Sessions Help students relax and focus in this stressful time. Gather members together and livestream a calming guided meditation or soothing yoga session hosted by a trained instructor. Or make it a recurring event: Create an extensive wellness series to offer additional classes and workshops.

10) Virtual Trivia Contest Name that tune! Challenge your group members with fun rounds of trivia. Pick your poison: Current events, politics, history, sports, music, film, or even chemistry!

11) Virtual Board Games Maintain the recommended social distance while challenging your competitive spirit by organizing an online board game meetup with friends. This is a fun and budget-friendly way to get together and connect with friends and group members you might not know very well yet. Here are some beloved group games that are ideal for virtual gatherings: Settlers of Catan, Dominion, Ticket to Ride, Words with Friends, Code Names, and Pandemic, or browse available games on apps like Tabletop, Pogo or Poki, which provide online arenas for playing board games, just like in real life!

12) Embrace E-Gaming Connect your group’s gamer members on Discord, a gaming server where you can chat and play games together with friends. Set up your own dedicated server and invite your friends to chat/call within the various text and voice channels you create.

13) Elect Officers Fall semester is a great time for student organizations to set up elections to select new leaders.

14) Lunch & Learn Gather your group members together for an informative BYOS session (Bring Your Own Snacks), whether you’re studying for an upcoming exam, planning an event with your team of officers, working together on a collaborative project or inviting a professor or industry pro to give a talk or lead a discussion group.

15) Organize and Share Volunteer Opportunities Take on volunteer and leadership roles in your community or virtually.

Keep it local: Help with grocery shopping for an elderly neighbor or offer babysitting services to the family next door. Donate money, food or volunteer at local food banks, foster a shelter pet, volunteer with Meals on Wheels or other philanthropic organizations, or lead an on-the-ground effort by organizing a fundraiser to help struggling small businesses or displaced workers in your community.

Expand your outreach: Explore remote volunteer opportunities from the comfort of your home like mentoring or tutoring children in your favorite subject area. Also check out Skype a Scientist!

16) Hold on to end of year traditions Do you usually host a dinner where you give out superlative awards to your seniors? Keep traditions alive by creating surveys to engage your group members! Virtual gatherings can add meaning and help create lasting memories for your group.

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• Auburn High School
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• National Honor Society

On April 20th, 1944, in the middle of World War II, Auburn High School became a charter member of the National Honor Society. The National Honor Society (NHS) is a nationwide organization for high school students in the United States and outlying territories, which consists of many chapters in high schools. Selection is based on four criteria: scholarship (academic achievement), leadership, service, and character.  This is a members only club for Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.  The AHS NHS Chapters organizes many community service projects in town.

The National Honor Society has been working hard this year, putting in numerous volunteer hours and fundraising for projects. One of those projects is the annual sending of care packages to members of the military. All of that candy that you’ve been buying from NHS members has helped fill those packages with supplies and goodies. Other than selling candy, NHS members offer tutoring in the library during activity. The Major David Brodeur Memorial Foundation asked for volunteers from NHS to help with preparations and race day activities for the annual Klepto 5k. Members also put in several hours of community service through their own connections with organizations. All of this hard work paid off as they enjoyed a field trip to the New England Aquarium and Faneuil Hall. Each member upholds their duties as a part of the National Honor Society including, scholarship, leadership, character, and service.  

Constitution of Auburn High School Chapter of the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools

• View the Constitution  

AHS Chapter of the National Honor Society Eligibility Requirements

All 10th-12th graders with a GPA of 3.807 or higher are eligible to apply for membership in the AHS Chapter of the National Honor Society, per the group’s constitution.  *Please note: The 3.807+ GPA on it’s own does not guarantee membership.

By the end of January, the list of students with qualifying GPAs will be posted on the NHS advisors’ classroom doors (Mr. Kennard - room 2000 and Mr. Berg - room 3064), along with details about a mandatory meeting for all interested applicants.  Any eligible student planning to apply for membership must attend this meeting in order to receive an application packet.  This meeting is vital as it will provide details about the application process and deadlines, along with clarifying any questions that students may have.

The NHS Selection Faculty Council will meet after February break to review applications.  Candidates will be considered based on their Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character; the four pillars of the National Honor Society.  

Students will receive formal acceptance or denial letters via the U.S. Postal Service.  Acceptance letters will include more information about the Induction Ceremony and denial letters will include feedback from the faculty council along with information about the appeal process. Students will have the ability to appeal an denial, with the school principal being the final arbiter.  Students that are denied acceptance are encouraged to reflect on the feedback, maintain their eligibility, and apply again the following year.

The Induction Ceremony is typically held in person in mid-March.

Advisors: Spencer Kennard & Erik Berg

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Clubs and Organizations

Get involved.

Expand your horizons and extend your learning beyond the classroom with WSU student clubs and organizations. From improv to pre-health, from the annual Pumpkin Drop to the Cougar Marching Band, you’ll find opportunities to get involved and gain leadership experience.

The more than 40 clubs and honor societies affiliated with the the College of Arts and Sciences take field trips, organize social and networking activities, sponsor guest speakers and presentations, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

Follow your interests and explore the list below to learn more.

Jump to find out about clubs in:

Fine and Performing Arts Honor Societies Humanities Physical and Natural Sciences Pre-Health Social and Behavioral Sciences

Fine and Performing Arts

Allegro represents a broad body of performing artists on the WSU campus. We work to bring opportunities to WSU student musicians, such as helping to bring professional guest artists to WSU, providing performances opportunities, and financially helping students for travel to participate in music- related events.

This organization works to create awareness of the arts on the WSU Pullman campus. They encourage people from all majors and talent bases and helps them accomplish amazing projects and learn new things.

Choral Company

This group works to raise funds in support of WSU’s premiere choral ensemble, Concert Choir, an audition-based, mixed choir of 40–50 singers who meet four times a week and perform several times a semester. Members must register for Concert Choir (MUS 431/531), complete an audition for Dr. Lori Wiest, and be accepted into the ensemble.

Collegiate National Association for Music Education

The WSU group helps prepare students to become music educators through monthly meetings and collaboration with present and past music educators. Anyone who aspires to teach music, in any setting, is welcome. Organized under the Allegro RSO.

Cougar Celli

Dedicated to providing a space for cellists of all skill levels to come together and make music. We are also focused on reaching out to younger musicians across Washington state to provide information and inspiration on the pathways available to musicians pursuing higher education.

Digital Media Club

This group serves students’ professional interests and needs in the creative media field.

Jazz Society

The Jazz Society is committed to the promotion, support, and performance of jazz music on and around the WSU campus. Anyone interested in the performance and/or promotion of jazz music is welcome.

Music Teachers National Association

MTNA is geared toward private music teachers and includes several community-oriented activities throughout the year, including performances. Chapter membership is open to all current WSU music students, subject to membership regulations. To be considered “active,” members must perform at least once per semester in an MTNA Atrium Recital.

WSU PhotoWorks

A photomedia space for the WSU art photo community.

Concept Clay

Ceramics studio in Pullman sharing clay processes and concepts.

STAGE is WSU’s student theatre group and home to improv comedy troupe Nuthouse. STAGE produces one-act play festivals and full-length plays in Daggy Hall’s Wadleigh Theatre. Opportunities for involvement include acting, directing, playwriting, stage management, and technical direction.

Symphony Orchestra

String players seeking to foster a love for symphonic works and to promote music across the WSU campus and to play four or five concerts a year of varied repertoire. All majors are welcome to audition.

Vocal Jazz Association

This group promotes vocal jazz singing in the WSU community and the Palouse. Vocal Jazz ensembles allow students to express themselves through the singing of jazz and popular music. Organized under the Allegro RSO.

Honor Societies

Alpha phi sigma.

Alpha Phi Sigma is the national honor society for students in the criminal justice sciences. Members meet regularly for discussions, research, community service, and fundraisers. Membership requirements include completion of four courses within the criminal justice curriculum, a declared criminal justice major or minor, a minimum overall GPA of 3.2, and a minimum 3.2 GPA in criminal justice courses.

Kappa Kappa Psi

A national honorary band fraternity. The WSU chapter works on service projects while providing the intangibles of morale, spirit, enthusiasm, atmosphere, and attitude within the band. Organized under the Allegro RSO.

National Society of Collegiate Scholars

A national honorary open to undergraduates in any major, its mission focuses on recognizing academic achievement and fostering community service. The WSU chapter does outreach in local middle schools and helps with Cougar Summer Camps and middle school science fairs. Socially, the group attends hockey games and coordinates with the Honors College on ice cream socials. Students must join the organization prior to earning 60 credits and must have at least a 3.4 overall GPA. The national membership fee is $60.

Phi Alpha Theta

Phi Alpha Theta is a professional society to promote the study of history. It seeks to bring students, teachers, and writers of history together both intellectually and socially. The Gamma Psi chapter at WSU is open to both undergraduate and graduate students on the Pullman campus who meet the academic requirements.

Psi Chi is a national honor society that works to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of individual members in psychology and to advance the science of psychology. Members must meet academic and ethical standards.

Actuarial Science Club

The purpose of WSU Actuarial Science Club shall be focused on preparing aspiring actuaries for exams and internships. Company visits are scheduled to allow for networking opportunities, foster communication, and enrich student relations.

English Graduate Organization

The English Graduate Organization provides support and advocacy for English graduate students’ interests as students and teachers.

Ethics Bowl

The Ethics Bowl is a regional and a national debate competition, organized by the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE). Each year the APPE distributes 15 cases in applied ethics. In short our teams work hard to prepare these cases for debates against other schools. Team members meet weekly in the fall to prepare for the regional tournament, held in November. Ethics Bowl is open to all undergraduates with an interest in applied ethics and improving their debating skills. Contact the faculty advisor for more information.

History Club

The History Club’s goal is to help students, of any year and major, explore their historical interests and interact with lovers of history on campus.

LandEscapes Literary and Arts Journal

LandEscapes is an undergraduate publication meant to represent the creativity, ingenuity, and skill of all students at WSU. The journal is published once a year in the spring and contains all manner of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, music, and graphic media created by students.

Philosophy Club

The purpose of Philosophy Club shall be to provide a forum for ideas and discussion of intellectual and curiosity driven topics in collaboration with the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs at Washington State University and other registered organizations. We wish to establish a support for all students with an interest in Philosophy and critical thinking, to expand knowledge in Philosophy as well as professional development of its members with real world applications of philosophy driven skills and analytical skills.

Political Science Club

The PSCWSU is a non-partisan organization open to all undergraduate and graduate students of Washington State University. The purpose of the PSCWSU is to encourage political efficacy and participation amongst all students. The PSCWSU hosts guest speakers to spark invigorating cross-partisan conversation and political debate, increases informed voters through the discussion of key political topics, and works to facilitate a civilized cross-partisan environment on campus and in the Pullman community. Visit us on WSU Presence .

Physical, Natural, and Life Sciences

Actuarial club.

Focus on preparing aspiring actuaries for exams and internships. Periodic visits are scheduled to companies employing actuarials for networking opportunities, fostering communication, and enriching student relations and experiences. Open to all majors.

American Mathematical Society

Furthering the interests of mathematical research, scholarship and education, serving the national and international community through publications, meetings, advocacy and other programs.

Association for Women in Mathematis

Promotes and encourages involvement in the mathematical sciences through mentorship and professional development. Open to undergraduate and graduate students and anyone who supports the advancement of women in math.

Biology Club

The Biology Club is open to all students interested in biology. The club focuses on the many areas of study within biology and seeks to foster a sense of community within the biology community at WSU. All majors are welcome!

Chemistry Club

A student affiliate of the American Chemical Society and open to any undergraduate interested in chemistry, the Chem Club hosts regular meetings with chemistry faculty members and outside speakers and discussions about research and funding. The club’s primary fundraiser is selling student laboratory jackets, which supports programs such as the Mom’s Weekend Chemistry Demo show: a mixture of flames, explosions, and interesting behavior of various chemicals and substances. Members also do outreach to local junior high and high schools as well as Boy Scouts meetings.

Environmental Science Club

An opportunity to interact with student peers who are interested in the well-being of the environment and to work to improve the environment on campus and in the community. The club works with the ASWSU Environmental Task Force to pursue sustainability, environmental protection, and well-being in many different ways.

Forestry Club

We are a student chapter of the Society of American Foresters (SAF), which is the largest and oldest professional society representing the forestry profession in the United States. We have a number of activities, including social events (e.g., bonfires), forest management activities such as thinning stands for firewood, chainsaw training, forestry skills training, and networking with the local working chapter of the SAF.

Geology Club

The club arranges field trips to local sites of geologic interest and give Mom’s Weekend tours from the Webster Hall roof, explaining visible geological features and selling rocks and geological specimens. Their regular pizza/lunch meetings are held in the department undergraduate study lounge that offers computers and lockers.

Graduate Chemistry Society  (GCS)

The GCS is committed to improving the social and academic life of chemistry graduate students at WSU. We have our own library space on campus where members can gather for meetings, social gatherings, and studying. We sponsor barbeques, departmental events, and intramural sports teams. Goggle and notebook sales are our primary fundraising activity.

You don’t have to be a math major to join—just interested in mathematics! The club gives both graduate and undergraduate students an opportunity to use and improve their mathematics skills and to learn more about advancements and opportunities in the fields of mathematics. The group invites guest speakers and hosts a campus-wide math competition.

Math Modeling Team

Two teams of three undergraduate students competed in a 100-hour (4 days and 4 hours) math modeling competition against 15,000 teams world-wide.

Physics and Astronomy Club

Members are known for being intellectually adventurous. Best known for the annual Pumpkin Drop on Dad’s Weekend, members also design rockets and launch weather balloons, host pizza/movie socials and star parties at the Jewett Observatory, and take tours to places like the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Observatory, both in the Tri-Cities. They also assist one another with research and class assignments.

For women who love science, technology, engineering and math at WSU! Be sure to like us and the official scientista foundation page!

Wildlife Society

The Washington State University Wildlife Society is the student chapter of a national society. This club is designed to allow people with an interest in wildlife to gain experience, connections, and knowledge about the wide range of topics and careers of wildlife.

Zoology Club

Also know as Zeta Omega, this group explores career options for zoology majors by visiting sites like the wolf center near Lewiston, Idaho, and the raptor rehabilitation center in Boise, Idaho. They also invite professional zoologists to give presentations. The group takes on local public service projects and hosts social activities.

Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS)

MAPS is a nationally recognized organization under the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). We are open to all students who are interested in becoming competitive applicants for their professional career. We are member-oriented and strive to inspire discussion prior to executing decisions. MAPS is evolving to design stronger curriculum practices and invoke novel learning experiences which are molded by the current members.

Optometric Physicians of Tomorrow

Gain information about the field of optometry, connect with fellow students, and network with local optometrists and representatives of various schools and colleges of optometry.

Pre-Dental Club

This club is for those who desire a profession or have an interest in the field of dentistry. Members offer knowledge, community service, and volunteer projects year round. Our purpose is to introduce students to the option of pursuing dentistry while making a difference in the community. Feel free to contact a member or show up to one of our scheduled meetings.

Pre-Health Club

This is a club for all students interested in professional healthcare fields to collaborate and network with each other and with professionals in the community.

Pre-Med Club

Our goal is to provide a supportive and fun environment for the growth and education of WSU’s pre-med student body that will allow them to learn from and contribute to the experiences of their peers, further preparing them to enter into the medical community.

Pre-Nursing Club: Rho Nu

Rho Nu is a volunteer club open to all Washington State University pre-nursing students. The name of this organization was adopted from the Greek names for the letters RN, which are, of course, the abbreviation for Registered Nurse.

Pre-Pharmacy Club

Focused on prospective WSU pharmacy students, the club provides admissions/PCAT information and opportunities to increase knowledge of the fields within pharmacy. Community service and social events allow students to get to know their fellow pre-pharmacy peers, while current pharmacy students, professors, admission advisors, and professionals provide perspective and real-world advice in club presentations. All students considering a career in pharmacy are welcome.

Pre-Physician Assistant Club

Students will become familiar with the life of a Physician Assistant through guest speakers,  community service opportunities, development of leadership and interpersonal skills and preparation for the application process to all PA schools.

Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy Club

Students interested in a physical therapy career take trips to visit physical therapy graduate programs, network to get assistance in making their applications, take part in fun runs, and participate in charitable activities.

Pre-Vet Club

Our club offers academic and social support for pre-professional students in veterinary medicine. We promote scholarship, fellowship, leadership, and character among our members through biweekly meetings, pertinent trips, and activities. Our main goal is to educate members on careers in veterinary medicine and provide information regarding entrance requirements to the various veterinary colleges.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Anthropology club.

The Anthropology Club offers a series of activities designed to bring faculty and students together informally to facilitate and expand hands-on learning opportunties and foster greater anthropological understanding. The club is open to all currently enrolled WSU undergraduate students.

Anthropology Graduate Organization (AGO)

AGO promotes professional development in anthropology through participation in professional meetings, sponsoring guest speakers, and involvement in local community education.

Criminal Justice and Criminology Graduate Student Association

The CJC-GSA represents the interests of the graduate student body to the department, University, and community. All advanced degree candidates currently enrolled in the WSU Graduate School and pursuing a criminal justice graduate degree, regardless of campus, constitute the CJC-GSA student body and are eligible for election to the CJC-GSA.

Criminal Justice Club

The Criminal Justice Club is a means for criminal justice students to meet each other and faculty and to exchange ideas on a semi-regular basis. Anyone interested in criminal justice and/or criminology is welcome to join.

Mock Trial is both a student club and an academic class at WSU. The course is built around a simulated trial of a criminal or civil case in which students role play as the participants. The club Mock Trial team participates in the national competition sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association as well as other invitational tournaments throughout the year.

Police Internship Program at WSU

The mission of the Police Internship Program is to educate and involve students in police operations, provide the University with volunteer security services, develop a mutual understanding between the student population and the WSU Police Department, and generate interest or help prepare interns for careers in law enforcement. The program provides valuable lessons to students as they consider whether to enter law enforcement. The application process each year begins mid-way through spring semester.

Pre-Law Society

This group brings students together to examine the legal structures that govern our society. Activities include public speakers from the legal field, opportunities for civil service and leadership development, educational sessions pertaining to citizenship and law, and preparation for the LSAT. The Pre-Law Society is open to any students interested in the study or future practice of law.

Psychology Club

Majors, minors, and those interested in psychology are welcome to join the growing Psych Club, which gives you the answers you need about the major and career options/preparation and opportunities to hear from and network with other psychology students and guest speakers.

Sociology Club

Sociology Club provides opportunities to meet and network with sociology faculty and majors, for career development, for civic engagement, and to develop an appreciation for the sociological imagination. Sociology majors are automatically members, but the club is open to all WSU students.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, choosing activities for national honor society.

Hey everyone, I just got accepted into the National Honor Society (yay!). I was wondering what types of activities you guys have done or seen others do that really benefited you and your community? Would appreciate any suggestions!

Congratulations on being accepted into the National Honor Society! Participating in the NHS offers a platform for you to engage in meaningful service projects that positively impact your community. Here are three types of activities that can be both beneficial and fulfilling:

1. Tutoring and Mentorship: Offering tutoring services to peers or younger students is a great way to share your knowledge and make education accessible to others. This can either be subject-specific or provide general study skills support. Additionally, mentoring younger students helps them develop leadership and communication skills.

2. Community Outreach: Organizing or participating in community service activities is an excellent way to engage with and give back to your community. Examples include organizing a food drive, partnering with a local shelter to serve meals, or planning a charity event to raise funds for a specific cause.

3. Collaboration with Other Organizations: Working alongside other clubs or organizations in your school or partnering with local non-profit organizations helps to combine resources and create more impactful initiatives. This could involve co-hosting events or combining volunteer efforts to address a shared concern.

Remember, the key is to choose activities that genuinely interest you and align with your passions while making a meaningful and lasting impact on your community. Don't forget to consider the needs of your community and how your skills can best be utilized to address those needs. Good luck and enjoy your involvement in the National Honor Society!

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Top NHS Scholarship Recipients Announced!

Chosen from nearly 17,000 applicants, Ella Mayor, a senior at Santa Susana High School in Simi Valley, CA, was named the NHS Scholarship National Winner.

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Chosen from nearly 17,000 applicants, the National Honor Society (NHS) named Ella Mayor, a senior at Santa Susana High School in Simi Valley, CA, the $25,000 National Honor Society Scholarship winner. NHS is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), which also administers the National Association of Student Councils.

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How (And Why) To Get Into the National Honor Society

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The National Honor Society (NHS) is an organization dedicated to recognizing and encouraging outstanding high school students in grades 10-12. Founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, it was the first nationwide honor society and now has chapters in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and many other US territories. The National Honor Society estimates that today, more than one million students participate in their activities.

You are probably wondering what qualifies you as an “outstanding high school student” eligible for membership. And beyond that, you may question what sorts of services and activities are required of and provided to members.

Read on to find out how to get into the National Honor Society, and what you’ll get in return!

Want to know your chances at the schools you’re applying for?   Calculate your admissions chances right now and understand your odds before applying.

Why Should I Become a Member of the National Honor Society?

Being a member of the National Honor Society shows that you are among the best students in your class, not just in terms of academics but also in terms of leadership, service, and character. It shows a commitment to community service projects and provides you the opportunity to network with like-minded peers. College admissions committees like to see anything that sets you apart as a top student, and this is one of them.

Additionally, NHS provides regular opportunities for you to build your leadership skills. Though not required, multiple conferences and events are available to NHS members throughout the year, including:

LEAD Conferences

Open to students in NHS, National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), and the National Association of Student Councils, Leadership Experience and Development (LEAD) conferences are held several times a year on weekends in varying cities across the country. They aim to improve leadership skills and provide networking opportunities for peers from around the country.

National Student Leadership Week

Established in 1972 to promote the value of student leadership, National Student Leadership Week is an open-ended way for schools to celebrate and recognize the importance of student leadership. On their website, NHS provides a list of suggested activities and outreach materials for planning this week.

State Summits

These local events are available only to students in NHS or NJHS, and they provide the opportunity for students to participate in think-tank style sessions with state leaders. They are designed to spark conversation with the goal being tangible solutions to real problems in schools and communities.

College Scholarships

Finally, NHS also offers college scholarships. Any high school senior who is a member in good standing of a local NHS chapter is eligible to apply for one of the 400 scholarships awarded annually. The 2017 scholarship application will be available online on November 1, 2016 and due on February 1, 2017. More information is available here.

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Our chancing engine factors in extracurricular activities, demographic, and other holistic details. We’ll let you know what your chances are at your dream schools — and how to improve your chances!

Who Can Become a Member of the National Honor Society?

First of all, it is worth noting that membership in the National Honor Society (NHS) is determined at the local level. Before you find out if you can become a member, you’ll need to locate your local chapter of the NHS. This can be done with a quick search on their Chapter Finder online, or by talking with a teacher or guidance counselor.

If your school does not currently have a local NHS chapter, you can talk with your principal or an advisor about founding one. Though students are not allowed to found chapters themselves, it is a simple process and one that most administrators can navigate easily. To apply, your school will need to appoint a faculty adviser and a five-member faculty council, fill out an application form, and pay an annual membership fee of $385. If this fee is financially prohibitive for your school, check out our Guide to Fundraising where you’ll find ideas on how to raise the money yourselves.

All public and accredited private schools are eligible to establish a local NHS chapter, and all students in grades 10-12 who meet the minimum GPA requirements at these schools are welcome to apply. Unfortunately, at this time, homeschooled students are not able to apply, though part-time students may be eligible if permitted by the bylaws of their local chapter.

Is There Any Reason That a Qualified Student Should Not Apply?

Like any other extracurricular, the National Honor Society requires time and commitment from all of its members. You will be asked to attend regular meetings, and you must participate in chapter and individual service projects. You should check the obligations of your local chapter before making the commitment if you aren’t sure you will have the time or energy to participate.

How Am I Evaluated for Membership?

Once you have located your local NHS chapter, you will need to review their membership requirements. Each local chapter sets forth their own unique qualification requirements which must be published and available for review. Although the exact requirements for membership vary by local chapter, all are based on the same four pillars of NHS, detailed below:

1. Scholarship

National guidelines require you to be in grades 10-12 and maintain a cumulative GPA of 85 or higher in order to qualify. This is a B average or a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Though this is the national minimum, many local chapters establish higher standards, so you will need to check the requirements of your local chapter to see if your GPA qualifies you.

If your GPA does meet the minimum standard as defined by your local chapter, you will have the opportunity to complete a form detailing your accomplishments in the other three pillars, listed below.    

Part of your application will ask you to detail your experiences in volunteer work, or other uncompensated, voluntary contributions to your school or community. Some local chapters will require you to have served a specific number of community service hours in order to qualify.  These hours could be spent organizing clothing or food drives, participating in clean up days on campus, or voluntarily tutoring younger students.

Keep in mind, though, that service hours aren’t something you should be rushing through just to accumulate them as quickly as possible. You should choose service activities with value to you. For more on this, check out the advice in “Do I Need Community Service For My College Application?”

3. Leadership

You will also be evaluated for your leadership skills. In this area, you should highlight your experiences taking leadership roles in school and community activities. This could include things like being a team captain, organizing a youth group, or being a part of student government. NHS specifically seeks student leaders who are “ resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors.

4. Character

Finally, to gain membership to NHS, you will need to prove that you’re cooperative, responsible, reliable and honest. You should have a clean disciplinary record and show respect and courtesy to those around you.

Some chapters of NHS might require a written recommendation to vouch for your character. If you need a written recommendation, make sure to choose a teacher who has taught you in a core subject and has known you well for an extended period of time. Meet with the teacher ahead of time to discuss your goals for the application and to talk about why you feel you are qualified to become a member.

If you meet the minimum GPA requirements for your local chapter, the faculty council will meet to evaluate your candidacy based on your application. They will review each of the characteristics outlined above, and you may be accepted for membership by a majority vote of the five members.

What Happens if I Am Denied Membership?

If you are denied membership, you may appeal the decision at the local level, but the national NHS organization does not review individual appeals. You may also reapply another year. A rejection of your NHS application does not appear on your transcript or any of your college application materials.

What Happens if I Am Accepted?

If you are accepted to the National Honor Society, you will be invited to an induction ceremony with the rest of the newly accepted members of your local NHS chapter. These induction ceremonies are typically public events as the NHS endeavors to inspire others through them. Your parents will be invited, and you can usually invite anyone else who might be interested.

Though the national office does not dictate a specific format or script for local induction ceremonies, they do dictate that such ceremonies must be “appropriate and impressive”. They also offer a number of ideas and sample programs which can reviewed in their handbook available here with an NHS account .

In general, the induction ceremony usually includes:

• A procession or special entrance by inductees
• Invocation or welcome from the adviser, principal, or chapter president
• National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance
• Guest Speaker
• Review of criteria for membership
• Honor Society Pledge
• Closing remarks

Many ceremonies also include a candle lighting or other symbolic presentation. Even if you have been accepted in NHS, you are not considered an official member until you have been inducted, signed into your local chapter’s registration, and taken the NHS Pledge.

Great, I’m In! Now what?

As a member of the NHS, you’ll need to attend chapter meetings and participate in service projects, both as a group and as an individual. Though it can sometimes be hard initially to come up with new service projects and ideas, the NHS national website maintains a searchable National Student Project Database and a guide to Community Service Idea Starters .

When you begin a new service project, whether as a group or on your own, you should add your project to the database. You never know when others might want to join you, and your ideas could inspire other people, too!

Take as much advantage of your membership in the National Honor Society as you can. Attend conferences and events, organize your own events, and apply for the NHS scholarships your senior year! On your college application, being a member of the NHS is a great indicator of your academic successes and generous spirit. But being an active member is even more convincing, as it drives home your leadership skills and dedication.

For more information about community service, be sure to check out our article, “Community Service, Reimagined: MCC’s Recommendations for High School Service” wherein we summarize some of the main points about service as made by Making Caring Common , a project of Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.

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• Policy for homeschooled students wanting to join a SNHS Chapter:

The student or parent should contact the advisor of a local chapter. If the advisor determines that the student meets eligibility criteria, then the student may join that chapter. Note that some teachers may allow a student from outside their school to join their chapter; however, some will not allow this arrangement because of the additional work involved. The decision is at the discretion of the chapter advisor.  

When a student is admitted to a local chapter, they are required to participate fully in all events according to the bylaws of the SNHS and local rules in place by the SNHS advisor and/or Chapter Officers.

Check the SNHS Chapter Directory for the school chapter nearest to you. Then contact the advisor of that school about your interest in joining the chapter.

• Please note that the contact email for SNHS has changed to [email protected] . Any messages sent to the former email address are being forwarded to the new email.

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260+ Field Trip Ideas for Grades Pre-K Through 12 (In-Person and Virtual)

Get out of the classroom and explore the world!

Field trips are a quintessential school experience. You usually only get one or two a year so it’s important to do it right! Our roundups of unique field trip ideas have something for every age, subject, and interest. We’ve even got resources like permission slip forms and chaperone tips. Get ready to leave the classroom behind to take learning on the road!

Preschool Field Trip Ideas

Early-grade field trips help kids learn about the world and also teach them good field trip behavior. These are our top picks for the pre-K crowd, but many of the options on our kindergarten list are perfect for this age group too.

• Library: Not every student’s parents take them to story time. Schedule your own trip, and show kids that having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card!
• Farm: Whether you learn how vegetables are grown or where milk and eggs come from, the farm is always a hit.
• Grocery store: Go behind the scenes at the supermarket, and use this trip as the foundation for lessons on healthy eating.
• Park: From local playgrounds to majestic national parks, it’s always worth getting kids into the great outdoors.
• Children’s museum: This is the age group most children’s museums were designed for! They’ll love all the hands-on fun and excitement.
• Post office: Learn how mail is sorted and shipped, and teach students about stamps and other mail-related items.
• Bank: Money is a new concept for these kiddos, and they’ll be fascinated to step inside the vault and learn other bank secrets.
• Fire station: There’s just something about a fire truck that gets every little one excited.
• Nursing home: Is there anything sweeter than watching seniors and wee ones spend time together?
• Animal shelter: For kids who don’t have pets at home, this can be a good introduction to animals. Others will just enjoy the time with dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes.

Elementary School Field Trip Ideas

@mjdstoronto

These are the prime field trip years! Here are our favorite trips for every grade.

• 14 Kindergarten Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 First Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 Second Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 Third Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 23 Fourth Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 22 Fifth Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)

Middle and High School Field Trip Ideas

@salinasvalleybasingsa

For this age group, you’ll need to step up your game a bit. (They’ve probably already been to the zoo, the aquarium, and the art museum.) Try some of these locations, which offer educational, social-emotional, and real-life learning opportunities.

• Food bank: Hold a food drive, then arrange a trip to your local soup kitchen or food pantry. Volunteering makes for truly meaningful field trips.
• Recycling facility: In a time when reducing landfill waste is more important than ever, a trip to a recycling facility can help drive home the message.
• Theater: Many theaters offer behind-the-scenes tours for schools and discount pricing when you buy tickets in bulk. (Want to go virtual? Check out the Hamilton Education Program !)
• Community college: Parents sometimes take kids on college visits, but a community college trip offers opportunities for even more students to see themselves getting a higher education.
• TV station: Kids interested in communications or technology will find this completely fascinating.
• Courtroom: There’s no better way to understand the justice system than to see it in action.
• State or county capitol: Every government class should visit a local capitol to meet with officials and see how the government works.
• Local business: This can be a cool way to learn about managing a business, working with customers, or discovering how products are made.
• Wildlife rehab facility: Introduce students to the people who help injured wild animals recover and live free once again.

Virtual Field Trip Ideas

@edtech_tusd

The terrific thing about virtual field trips is that they eliminate so much of the hassle. No need to collect permission slips, arrange for buses, or recruit chaperones. Plus, they’re usually free!

• 40 Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips
• 20 Terrific Virtual Art Museum Field Trips
• 18 Incredible Virtual Zoo Field Trips
• 15 Fascinating Aquarium Virtual Field Trips
• 3 Science Virtual Field Trips Let Kids Travel the World

Field Trips by Location

If you live in one of these cities, check out some of our favorite spots.

• 16 Cool Field Trips in Houston, Texas
• 21 Terrific Field Trips in Chicago, Illinois
• Top 10 Washington D.C. Field Trip Ideas

Field Trip Tips and Resources

There’s a lot to do when you’re organizing an off-site field trip. These resources are here to help.

• Preparing Parent Chaperones for a Field Trip
• Free Printable Field Trip and School Permission Forms To Make Your Life Easier
• Things To Do Before Taking Your Students on a Major Field Trip
• Mistakes To Avoid When Planning a Field Trip for Students
• Why I Hate Field Trips (And How I Learned To Deal)
• Help! Is There Any Way I Can Get Out of Our End of the Year Field Trip?

Bonus: Looking for a laugh? Check out  Ways School Field Trips Are Like The Wizard of Oz !

What are your favorite field trip ideas? Come share your thoughts in the  We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook !

Plus,  virtual college campus tours to explore from home ..

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The Best PreK and Kindergarten Field Trips (Both Virtual and In-Person!)

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Sample Induction Ceremony

• Welcome by an appropriate school official, to include the introduction of the Chapter Advisor and Faculty Advisory Council.
• A brief keynote address by the Chapter Advisor. The topic may be anything appropriate to the field of English and/or the installation of a national honor society.
• Installation of new chapter officers (by a visiting chapter president, the Chapter Advisor, or another appropriate person).
• Presentation of the charter to the chapter president (or advisor) by a visiting chapter president, visiting Chapter Advisor, or by the new Chapter Advisor. The following text is only a suggestion. It may be adapted to the needs of a particular school:

Visiting chapter official or new Chapter Advisor to the president of the new chapter: "On behalf of the National English Honor Society, I present this charter to the [chapter name] at [school name]. You, your members, and those who will follow, are charged to accept it in the words of our motto, 'Gelast sceal mid are,' which is Old English for 'Duty goes with honor.'

This charter carries with it a commitment to the mission of the founders of the Society: to promote mastery of written expression, encourage worthwhile reading, and foster fellowship among students who excel in English studies. You are further charged to share your gifts by service to society and by fostering literacy. Do you accept these charges?"

NEW CHAPTER PRESIDENT: "On behalf of the members of the [chapter name] of [school name], we accept this charter from the National English Honor Society. We dedicate our chapter to the goals of the Society and our fidelity to the legacy left to us by our founders."

Visiting chapter official or new Chapter Advisor : "Then welcome into the fellowship of the National English Honor Society; may you find yourself, this chapter, and this school always responsive to the mission of the Society: to confer national distinction upon secondary school students for high achievement in English language and literature, to provide, through local chapters, cultural stimulation in secondary school environments, to encourage interest in the English language arts, to promote exemplary character and good fellowship, and to serve society by fostering literacy."

• Induction of the charter members.
• Closing by Chapter Advisor or school official.
• Refreshments, if available.

Note: Although, during the ceremony, the charter is officially presented to the chapter president, the charter should be returned to the Chapter Advisor and kept in a prominent, secure place.

New Member Induction Ceremonies New members appreciate formal recognition for their accomplishments. This ritual may be adapted to fit a particular school and specific setting; many schools will find such particularizing (by including favorite and meaningful literary references), both an appropriate and meaningful endeavor.

Sample Induction Ceremony The Central Office highly recommends that membership certificates be distributed at the time of induction; these need to be ordered at least three weeks prior to the date set for the induction. National English Honor Society pins, royal blue and gold ribbons, and white carnations are also recommended.

When the facility has been selected and reserved, seating should be arranged in two sections, one for members, and one for non-members (including inductees and their guests).

The treasurer or secretary should have the certificates, pins, royal blue-and-gold recognition ribbons, and/or white carnations, for each inductee. These, the official membership book, and a pen, should be on a small table in front of the meeting room. The vice president should have a list of names of all inductees. The officers should be seated at a table, or on chairs, in the front of the assembly, but behind or next to the table containing the membership materials.

PRESIDENT: (standing) "The meeting of the [chapter name] of the National English Honor Society is called to order. (pause) Have we any new business before us?"

TREASURER: (standing)"We have."

PRESIDENT: "The chapter treasurer, [name], is recognized."

TREASURER : "M_ President, I have the honor of bringing forth, before you and this membership, [number of candidates] candidates seeking membership in the [chapter name] of the National English Honor Society."

PRESIDENT : "You may present the candidates."

VICE PRESIDENT: "When I call your name, please come forward to be recognized." The vice president reads the names as they have been sent to the Central Office, and after each name, the category of membership sought (active or honorary).

"Candidates, upon careful examination of your academic accomplishments in the field of English, in recognition of what you have already done, and in hopeful anticipation of what you will continue to do, I present you to this assembly, to our Chapter Advisor(s), and to our chapter officers."

PRESIDENT: (to Treasurer) "M__ Treasurer, have these candidates satisfied all of the requirements for membership?"

TREASURER: "Each has satisfied all chapter requirements for membership."

PRESIDENT: (to Secretary) "M__ Secretary, are their membership documents in order?"

SECRETARY: "Each has membership documents in order."

PRESIDENT: "Candidates, having been presented by the vice president, verified by the treasurer and secretary, and approved by the general membership, you may now take upon yourselves the honors and obligations of membership in the [chapter name] of the National English Honor Society. If you are ready to do so, answer, 'I am ready for membership.'"

CANDIDATES: (in unison) "I am ready for membership."

Treasurer and secretary move to position themselves by the small table holding the membership book, the certificates/pins, and ribbons/carnations. Initiates will move from one part of the stage to the other, where as a group they remain standing, facing the audience.

PRESIDENT: " Only persons of high scholarship in English are admitted to our fellowship. We join with others from across the country in celebration of all the fields of English and in acknowledging that a life in which literature and good writing are a significant part, is a life worth living. To accept membership into the [chapter name] of the National English Honor Society, you must say your name as you sign the permanent roll of this chapter, adding your name to the company of colleagues who have preceded you. It is the first part of your ongoing legacy to the officers and members who shall follow in years to come."

Here the ritual will vary, depending upon the chapters and the schools.

The candidate signs the membership book and says his/her name aloud. If certificates are available, then:

PRESIDENT:" [Candidate name] accept this certificate of membership. It is your outward symbol of membership, not only now, but also in years to come. (Hands a certificate to each new member.)

CANDIDATE: " Thank you"

If pins are available, then:

TREASURER: " Take this pin into your safe keeping. It is your outward symbol of membership, not only now, but in the years to come. As a token of new membership, and as a recognition to others in this fellowship, I charge you to wear it daily for the next week. (Hands a pin to each new member.) The pin displays the emblem of our Society.

CANDIDATE: "Thank you."

If ribbons are available, then:

VICE-PRESIDENT: "Take this ribbon into your safe keeping. It is your outward symbol of membership, not only now, but in the years to come. As a token of new membership, and as a recognition to others in this fellowship, I charge you to wear it daily for the next week. (Hand a set of ribbons to each new member.) These royal blue and gold ribbons display the colors of our Society. The royal blue has long been associated with creativity and inspiration and the gold represents excellence and nobility of spirit."

If white carnations are available, then:

SECRETARY: "Take this flower into your safe keeping. It is your outward symbol of membership, not only now, but in the years to come. White carnations are, historically, symbols of distinction and truth." (Hands a flower to each new member.)

When all the initiates have received their materials, the president addresses them:

PRESIDENT: "I now declare you to be members in full standing in the [chapter name] of the National English Honor Society. We welcome you into the fellowship of this chapter and to the larger fellowship of members throughout the country. (Turns to audience) Will everyone please join me in welcoming our new members?" (Applause)

The new members then take seats among the other members of the chapter.

PRESIDENT: "Will all members, new and old, please stand. As our new members affirm their membership for the first time, let all the members join them, thus reinforcing our own commitment. Everyone, please repeat after me: As a member of the National English Honor Society, / I shall endeavor to advance the study / of all areas of English / and to foster a spirit of fellowship / among students excelling / in all facets of the English Language Arts, / ever keeping in mind our national motto, / as our guiding principle / ''Gelast sceal mid are' / 'Duty goes with honor.'"

Members are then seated. The Chapter Advisor or chapter president may wish to explain the Society emblem (see Section 1), a copy of which appears on the membership certificates and on Society pins.

OFFICER or ADVISOR: "As we prepare to draw this ceremony to a close. . . . " (Here there may be final words, an invitation to share in refreshments, and any other part of the ceremony the chapter has prepared--in keeping with individual school policy and tradition. The meeting should then be adjourned in the normal manner.)

Alternative or additional materials that may be inserted into, or substituted for, parts of the induction ceremony. The following selections may be appointed for reading by any of the officers, the Chapter Advisor, or visiting official(s):

"Being honored for your work in language studies, whether in literary examination or fine writing, goes hand in hand with a responsibility to use one's abilities to shape a better world, to help others, to turn being honored into honoring a future rich with possibilities and a world laden with potential. Our national motto, 'Gelast sceal mid are,' was purposely selected in part because it represents one of the earliest forms of the language we celebrate, and in even greater part because its meaning—duty goes with honor — represents the high calling to which each of us must respond. Just as being honored empowers us, so we empower others. Membership in the National English Honor Society implies that we accept the responsibility of sharing the best of language and literature with others. There is no fixed way of doing this; each must find a way to share and to foster the rich use and enjoyment of our language."

"Henry David Thoreau once said, 'It takes two to speak the truth — one to speak, and another to listen.' As members of the National English Honor Society you understand the importance of communication, the value of listening, and the significance of expression. You have proven yourselves capable of serious study of the English language and of pursuing the truth in works of literature or in your own creative expressions of poetry or prose. Being a member of this organization, and of the English community as a whole, requires that you continue these efforts and prepare yourselves to take into the world the truths you have found here, sharing with others your joy and appreciation of our discipline. Truth cannot exist in a vacuum and, like art, it must be shared to be understood."

"William Shakespeare, in his play  Henry V , wrote: 'As many arrows, loosed several ways Come to one mark; as many ways meet in one town; As many fresh streams meet in one salt sea . . . So may a thousand actions, once afoot, End in one purpose, and be all well borne Without defeat.'

We are like those many arrows, each coming from a different source, each with unique talents and varied interests; but as members of the National English Honor Society we all promise to support one another and to focus our energies on the Society's goals. We follow the design laid out before us, assured that our strength of intent and clarity of purpose will assist us in our aims."

A possible end of the ceremony: "New members, in honor of your accomplishments and in anticipation of your bright future, I end this ceremony with these words by Emily Dickinson. Please commit them to yourself as you grow in our Society, in our community, and in our mutual dedication to a life of letters:

We never know how high we are Til we are called to rise And then, if we are true to plan Our statures touch the skies

Congratulations to you all. Our ceremony is concluded."

Chapter Officer Installation Ceremonies New officers should be installed with an appropriate ceremony to impress upon them the seriousness of their undertaking. With the exception of the chapter's very first installation of officers, when none precede them, this ceremony should take place when the outgoing officers will be present to pass on either a literal or metaphoric legacy to their successors. At the initial installation of officers, or if outgoing officers are not available, the Chapter Advisor may perform the duties of the outgoing officers.

Sample Chapter Officer Installation Ceremony The outgoing officers should be seated at a long table or row of chairs in the front of the membership. The new officers sit among the society members.

PRESIDENT: (standing throughout the ceremony and addressing the membership) The president may briefly summarize the most important accomplishments of his/her tenure in office and give good counsel for the coming year. The President then continues:

"We are now ready to install our officers for the coming year. Each officer has important duties; and each is, in his/her own sphere, responsible for the chapter's success." (Pause) "We first give charge to the office of the treasurer."

TREASURER: (stands) "Will [new treasurer's name] come forward."

The new treasurer comes forward and stands before the outgoing treasurer.

"My fellow member, the office of treasurer is an important one, for you must accept the responsibility of receiving, recording, and distributing funds. It will be your duty to keep an accurate record of all monies paid into the chapter treasury. Working with our Chapter Advisor, you will pay all bills promptly so that the chapter maintains a reputation for honesty and efficiency. You will, at all times, be prepared to furnish information concerning the financial condition of the chapter. Are you ready to assume the duties for your office?"

NEW TREASURER: "I am."

TREASURER: "Then, as an emblem of your office, take this record of our finances into your safe keeping. Guard it well as part of your ongoing legacy to the officers and members who shall follow in years to come."

The new treasurer accepts the record of finances and takes a seat in front of the membership, and the outgoing treasurer sits with the membership.

PRESIDENT: "We shall now give the charge to the secretary."

SECRETARY: (stands) "Will [new secretary's name] come forward."

The new secretary comes forward and stands before the outgoing secretary.

SECRETARY: "My fellow member, it will be your duty to keep an accurate record of all meetings of the chapter and, working with the vice president, to keep the membership record accurate and up to date. Working with our Chapter Advisor, you will be responsible for notifying members of meetings and keeping them informed of other chapter events. You will also be responsible for all communication between the chapter and the school, other chapters, and any other persons. Are you ready to assume the duties of your office?"

NEW SECRETARY: "I am."

SECRETERY: "Then, as an emblem of your office, take this secretary's book into your safe keeping. Guard it well as part of your ongoing legacy to the officers and members who shall follow in years to come."

The new secretary accepts the book and takes a seat in front of the membership, and the outgoing secretary sits with the membership.

PRESIDENT: "We shall now give the charge to the vice president."

VICE PRESIDENT: (stands) "Will [new vice president's name] come forward."

The new vice president comes forward and stands before the outgoing vice president.

VICE PRESIDENT: "My fellow member, it will be your duty to perform all of the duties of the president in his/her absence and to cooperate with him/her to promote the chapter's interests. It is also your duty to prepare and instruct inductees for the induction ceremony, and to serve, with the Chapter Advisor, as program co-chair. Working with the treasurer, you are to maintain accurate membership records for the chapter. Are you ready to assume the duties of your office?"

NEW VICE PRESIDENT: "I am."

VICE PRESIDENT: "Then, as an emblem of your office, take this membership book into your safe keeping. Guard it well as part of your ongoing legacy to the officers and members who shall follow in years to come."

The new vice president accepts the book and takes a seat in front of the membership, and the outgoing vice president sits with the membership.

PRESIDENT: "I will now give the charge to the president. Will [name of the new president] come forward."

The new president comes forward and stands before the officiating president.

PRESIDENT: "It will be your duty to preside at all chapter meetings, to fill, with the advice of the Chapter Advisor, all appointive offices, appoint all committees, order drafts on the treasury, and exercise general supervision over the chapter's activities. Are you ready to assume the duties of your office?"

NEW PRESIDENT: "I am."

PRESIDENT: "Then, as an emblem of your office, take this gavel into your safe keeping. Use it well to guide those whom you both lead and serve. Guard it well as part of your ongoing legacy to the officers and members who shall follow in years to come."

The new president accepts the gavel and remains standing in front of the membership, while the outgoing president sits with the membership.

NEW PRESIDENT: "Officers rise."

All of the new officers stand.

CHAPTER ADVISOR: (facing the new officers): "You have been duly elected to your office in accordance with the uniform Bylaws of the [chapter name] of the National English Honor Society. I now have the honor to act as its representative and to induct you as Executive Committee members. Will you, therefore, repeat after me as you affirm the election to your office?" (pause)

"I accept the office / to which I have been elected, / and promise to carry out my duties / to the best of my ability / and to abide by and support / the bylaws of this chapter. / In the execution of my duties, / the guiding principle shall always be / gelast sceal mid are / Duty goes with honor."

NEW PRESIDENT: (addressing the audience): "Let us welcome the new officers." (leads applause) "Let me ask last year's officers to stand once more as we recognize them for their leadership this past year." (leads applause)

"Everyone, please be seated" (president remains standing). The President may give a short speech of his / her plans and hopes for the coming year. The meeting will adjourn in the usual manner.

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The art of being a Russian farmer

John Kopiski is a British-born business executive who came to Moscow for a 3-day business trip and ended up staying for more than 20 years.

“I arrived here in December 1991. I went to some import-export companies, two bars, a hotel and Old Arbat (a street in central Moscow). And in this brief period I felt that I could start a new life here. Not a new business, a new life.”

Mr. Kopiski became the second British citizen to obtain Russian citizenship in 1993. He became an Orthodox shortly after.

Soon after he settled in Russia Mr Kopiski decided to shift his career from coal trading to farming . He invested almost all his savings – several million pounds – into a project to rebuild a ruined collective farm near Vladimir , an ancient  town located roughly 115 miles south-east of Moscow.

  “Whenever we had spare money we helped the church, particularly in Vladimir. And just over 10 years ago the abbess of Murom Monastery was tasked with reopening a monastery very close by, in Pokrov. And we suggested that they could use this place as their farm. But when the abbess saw it, she said it was too big for her, but my wife and I liked the place and the life here. So we started farming.”

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Building on the “reset” – the vice president’s visit to moscow.

Vice President Joe Biden speaks to the American Chamber of Commerce and Russian students at Moscow State University, in Moscow, Russia, March 10, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Today, before a packed auditorium at Moscow State University, Vice President Biden delivered a powerful speech to U.S. and Russian students and business leaders. Echoing messages conveyed during his earlier meetings with Russian President Dimitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin over the course of his three-day visit, Vice President Biden hailed the successful “reset” of U.S.-Russian relations and reiterated his call for broader economic cooperation between the two countries.

Vice President Joe Biden, talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at the Gorky Dacha outside Moscow, Russia, March 9, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Vice President Joe Biden greets Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at the Russian White House, in Moscow, Russia, March 10, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Issuing the strongest support yet for Russia’s entry into the World Trade Organization, the Vice President said,“it’s better for Americans and better for Russians to be able to trade with each other under predictable and transparent rules.”

On the issue of human rights and the status of democracy and the rule of law in Russia – a topic discussed at length in meetings with Russian civil society and political opposition leaders earlier today, the Vice President said:  “History showsthat in industrialized societies, economic modernization and political modernization must go hand and hand.”

Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Ambassador John Beyrle talk with civil society leaders at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Moscow, Russia, March 10, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Yesterday, the Vice President and Dr. Biden visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden. As a military honor guard looked on, the Vice President observed a moment of silence in recognition of the Russian soldiers who died in World War II and ceremonially placed a wreath that read “To those who fell in the fight against fascism, from the American people.”

Vice President Joe Biden observes a moment of silence during a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the Kremlin Walls in Moscow, Russia, March 9, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Later, the Vice President attended a signing ceremony for the sale of Boeing 777 jets to Aeroflot – which will support more than 10,000 jobs at home - in the impressive building of the Moscow School of Management at Skolkovo, an area that Moscow hopes to develop into the Russian equivalent of Silicon Valley. Afterwards, he and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov led a roundtable discussion with Russian and American business leaders. The Vice President added that beyond negotiations between our governments, the U.S. is also relying on the growing connections between Russian and American business leaders and leaders in civil society to build a comprehensive relationship between the U.S. and Russia.

Vice President Joe Biden, and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov watch as Boeing Russia CEO Sergey Kravchenko and Aeroflot General Director Vitaly Saveliev sign an agreement for Aeroflot to purchase Boeing Jets at Skolkovo School of Management in Moscow, Russia, March 9, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Vice President Joe Biden holds a roundtable discussion with American and Russian business leaders and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov at Skolkovo School of Management in Moscow, Russia, March 9, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Elizabeth Alexander

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