Local National Honor Society Members Are Committed To Community Service

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The Goodhue High School chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) held its induction ceremony for new members on May 4th.  There were 16 newly eligible sophomores and two juniors who received this honor.   10th, 11th, and 12th grade students who have a 3.5 or higher grade point average (GPA) are encouraged to apply for membership.  A faculty council reviews the applications and determines memberships.  If a student is not selected, they may reapply again the following year as long as they meet the 3.5 GPA requirement. 

The National Honor Society values not only scholarship, but service, leadership, and character.  According to www.nhs.us, “These four pillars have been associated with membership in the organization since its inception in 1921.  NHS organization quickly developed into one of the country’s leading educational groups.  Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in NHS activities. NHS chapters are found in all 50 states, US Territories, Canada, and around the world. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.”

Throughout the year, local members take on these challenges by participating in a variety of activities.  Some service projects such as assisting with a Veterans’ Day program or working with the Feed My Starving Children organization are simply volunteer hours.  The group promotes Earth Day in April and participates in the Adopt A Highway program in both the Spring and Fall.  They also volunteer to read with the elementary students during the school year.

NHS members have been visible at many school activities including the new construction open house last September and the Goodhue Education Foundation auction. You will find them assisting the Booster Club in the concession stand and helping collect and sell gently used Wildcat wear in the consignment closet.  They also run a pop tab collection for the Ronald McDonald House.

Other events that earn money include an aluminum can collection, helping with the Red Cross blood drive in March, a free-will offering car wash in the Spring and again in the Fall and coordinating the Holiday Home Tour in December.  The three local families that opened their homes to the public this year were, Eugene and Sherri Betcher, Luke and Cassie O'Reilly, and Erica Boldt.

All money raised is donated for Scholarships which benefit Goodhue seniors who complete the scholarship application process.   Additionally, one local person or family is the recipient of funds raised in a grade level competition called the Penny Drive. All classes collect coins, each having either a positive or negative value that determines the class winner.  This year’s competition raised $2,200.00 and was donated to the Josh Budensiek family.