Heights High National Honor Society chapter to include juniors

The National Honor Society (NHS) is a prestigious, nationwide program that stresses service and character. To be eligible, students must have a 3.5 grade point average and community service experience, as well as leadership qualities as recognized by an advisor. Ultimately, a five-faculty member council decides who gets inducted, and has the final say on all matters proposed by the advisor.  NHS has a very optimistic outlook for the future, both immediate and long-term at Cleveland Heights High. According to Haethem Rasul, new advisor for NHS and established Renaissance guidance counselor, there will be quite a few changes to our high school’s local branch. 

Most notably among these changes will be the expansion to include qualified upcoming juniors along with the traditional upcoming seniors. “A growth from 28 members to possibly 60 or 70 members is significant,” acknowledges Rasul, “but would certainly bring some continuity – something NHS hasn’t really had here at Heights before.”

The new format will be a change of pace from the hectic start the National Honor Society endured last year. “There was a lot of hoopla during the selection process,” says Mr. Rasul. Last year, two teachers served as advisors for the NHS, but due to their already heavy workload of teaching, the experience was understandably stressful. 

The aforementioned “hoopla” dealt with miscommunication and misdirection of paperwork. The paperwork had been, in fact, misplaced due to the numerous documents being sent in via various methods from various sources. “It was a lot to handle,” Rasul says, while pointing to the two overflowing boxes of paperwork from last year. Nevertheless, the paperwork was found the morning the induction process was set to begin. After that, it was “smooth sailing” as the most qualified students were selected, without bias, by the five-member council.

This year, Mr. Rasul has filled the position that the previous advisors chose to leave vacant. He was practically giddy with excitement during the interview. “I’m really happy to be able to help resuscitate NHS here at Heights.” The NHS already has some events planned, including a tailgate fundraiser at Homecoming, running the 8th Grade Parent Night, as well as organizing tutoring both during and after school. “Flexibility is something we have here at NHS that really enhances our ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.” When asked about last year, Mr. Rasul honestly replied, “They [the two advisors] did everything right. They did - but this year I feel like I’m great for this position because I’m not teaching five or six periods a day and, as a counselor, I am better suited resource-wise.”

According to Rasul, the selection process is set to begin around February and the induction ceremony will take place on April 7th, with entertainment provided by the Heights Barbershop choir. “I’m just really excited to see where this goes.”

Read More on The Black & Gold: Heights High
Volume 3, Issue 11, Posted 6:24 PM, 10.30.2010