Chatter and laughter spreads across the room. The sound of markers opening and closing and paper rustling coming from each table. This is NHS. 

On Wednesday, November 19th, National Honors Society, NHS, had another meeting in which they made thank you cards for Leyden teachers and staff. The meeting was led by NHS co-presidents Valeria Inzurriaga and Ruby Monarrez and supervised by their sponsor Ms. Heppeler. This was an important time to give back to the community and to show appreciation for all of Leyden staff and teachers. 

“I became a sponsor early in my career because I wanted to get involved with extracurriculars, and this position opened, and I thought it would be a great way to connect with students in a different way.” says Ms. Heppeler, NHS sponsor. 

NHS participates in various different volunteering events in order to give back to the community. Ms. Heppeler adds on, “I really enjoy the different volunteer experiences that we have, because it widens students out of school and into the real world, and I love watching them interact with people in the community.”

 On November 19th, they made gratitude cards for their loved ones, teachers, and staff.  NHS member Izabella Szwedo says, “I enjoyed making them and thinking about how happy it’s going to make the teacher because they deserve appreciation for their hard work.” 

The goal of NHS is to get students involved and build leadership skills. “Being in NHS has taught me that it’s really important to make connections and that it’s really fun to be around new people that drive you to do better in your studies.“ says co- president Valeria Inzurriaga. 

This year’s run for co-president was a close one. Valeria Inzurriga and Ruby Monarrez took home the win. Valeria continues, “Being president alongside Ruby has taught me that it’s really important to actually make sure that everyone in the club makes an appearance in what we do, and that everyone in the club finds a purpose in what we do.” 

The Society has 4 pillars: Service, Character, Scholarship, and Leadership. The co- presidents, with support from Ms. Heppeler, strive to convey the pillars in their meetings  as well as activities.  “Ruby and I have tried really hard to make the pillars of NHS something that the whole school can try and strive for, and that’s been our goal for this year,.” Inzurriaga concludes with a smile.

 NHS concluded their activities for this semester, but the co-presidents are already planning new ideas to get more people involved in the next semester.