At Sierra Vista High School, the National Honor Society (NHS) is a worldwide organization that recognizes high school students who excel in service, leadership, scholarship, and character development. NHS offers students the chance to excel academically, contribute to their community, and grow as leaders. By encouraging responsibility and leadership, NHS empowers students to create a memorable impact on our school’s history.
Sierra Vista High School’s society invites students capable of maintaining an unweighted GPA of 3.5 and consistently achieving good grades on their past report cards. Ms. Cuttia, the advisor of NHS, highlights its academic benefits, explaining, “It benefits students academically because they have to want to keep a good GPA to stay in the NHS.” Student President of both NHS and DECA, Matthew Chen (12), adds, “It’s important to be consistent and proactive.” NHS fosters a student-driven environment under Ms. Cuttia’s guidance, encouraging personal and academic growth.
The society focuses on community service as a core purpose. Cuttia states, “Members are required to complete 25 hours of community service per semester to remain in the organization, along with two group projects.” These requirements give students opportunities to contribute to their community through service initiatives. NHS also helps students build meaningful connections within the society. Members strengthen relationships through group projects and service events, forming bonds that extend beyond the club. Jacy Johnson (11), a member of NHS, says that, “NHS has helped me form bonds with others in many ways. I have met some amazing volunteers and volunteer groups because of the events I have attended, and it helps me strengthen my relationships with friends who are also in the club.” Cuttia agrees and adds, “Students build relationships both within the organization and throughout the community, forming bonds outside of the NHS.” These connections enhance students’ high school experience and cultivate responsibility and community involvement.
Ms. Cuttia advises prospective members to “pick something that matters to you.” She notes that many students find their own volunteer opportunities, and choosing something they enjoy makes the experience more fulfilling. The flexibility of choosing where and when to complete community service hours makes it much easier to stay on track. In fact, being a part of the society in general helps maintain focus, even when managing other responsibilities. Chen shared, “There is no true balance. I take it day by day, do what I can, and try again the next day!” This approach shows how dedication and flexibility go hand in hand in managing multiple commitments.
Each year, the NHS takes part in a major community service, such as the food drive event, and the NHS traditionally partners with the student council to help gather food for local families. Cuttia explains, “We typically do a food drive… and have raised over 500 pounds of food, which we donate directly to the local community.” This event inspires students to engage in meaningful community work and make a positive impact.
The NHS Executive Board independently leads meetings. Cuttia explains, “It’s a student-led organization, so I help them prepare in the beginning, then step back and allow them to run the meetings independently.” This structure helps students develop leadership skills, with Ms. Cuttia stepping in only when needed. Members also reach out to local schools and businesses to organize community service projects, which strengthens their communication and organizational abilities. “They are the ones making phone calls and building leadership skills in that way,” says Cuttia. Chen shares, “The NHS gives me an opportunity to extend my education through community service. And through engaging with the community, it has helped me better communicate with many different kinds of people.” This experience not only fosters leadership but also helps students improve their interpersonal skills.
A unique feature of the NHS is its selective process of picking students to join the NHS. Students are encouraged to join based on their academic achievements and their commitment to fulfilling all necessary commitments. Unlike other organizations, to become a part of the NHS, students are extended a personal email invitation, welcoming and officially inviting them into the society. This process ensures that only individuals who have met the required criteria will receive an email from the NHS. Being a member of NHS involves paying a membership fee, which helps support the club’s events and activities. Additionally, members have the opportunity to vote on and select the design for the official NHS T-shirt, which is included in the fee. Johnson wisely advises, “My advice would be to never be scared to ask questions because anyone who can will answer them happily.”
