The National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) recently inducted twenty-four new members from grades 10-12 and thirty-four new members from grades 6-9, respectively. These societies are national programs for high school students that stress the tenets of character, leadership, scholarship, service, and citizenship. Both individually and in group settings, these students do volunteer work and dedicate themselves to helping the community.

To be a member of these prestigious organizations you must maintain a 3.0 GPA, and receive an invitation. After being invited to join NHS or, the students attend the induction ceremony with their parents, current members, and the school administration. At the recent NHS induction, students were greeted by Superintendent Hamilton, Principal Stevenson, and their Mrs. McDonough-DeFilippo, and School Committee members Barbara Davis and Elizabeth Tolson. Similarly, at the NJHS induction, the students were congratulated by their principal, superintendent, and advisor, Ms. Grant.

During the inductions, students receive a certificate, pin, and membership card and sign their name in a book of signatures of every current and former member of Holbrook’s honor societies. At the National Honor Society induction, seniors were recognized and spoken about by Junior members, congratulating them on their accomplishments and thanking them for their commitment to the society.

The Holbrook chapter of NHS works extremely closely with non-profit organizations such as the American Cancer Society. This year, they participated in Daffodil Days to fundraise for the group, selling the flowers to teachers, friends, and family members. Each member is also required to participate in the Relay for Life on June 9th.

NJHS primarily fundraises for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Association. This year, they raised over $2,000 with the annual Pennies for Patients campaign. Additionally, they helped out with school events such as the ribbon cutting, grand march, and parent-teacher conferences.

NHS and NJHS members have also worked with students at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School, supervising the after-school band, volunteering at the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Night, and even tutoring younger students.

While completing service hours is a requirement for membership in these organizations, Junior Honor Society President Carrietta Jacques has a reminder for younger students. She says, “Service should be something that comes naturally. You shouldn’t have to feel pressured or forced into supporting your community.”