GCHS inducts new members to NHS and Spanish Honor Society

GCHS National Honor Society members — Front row left to right: Jenna McCarthy, Anaka Eliason, Brooklynn Brite, Katelynn Bazille, and Hailey Ketola. Second row left to right: Kyra Dahl, Evelyn Radintz, Emily Tews, Elsja Meijer, Landon Obermueller, Tyler Harrington, Opal Voeltz, and Kiley Leduc. Back row left to right: Tessa Wagner, Charlie Lamb, Blake Fayerweather, Ilan Anderson, Isabel Davis, and Andrew Blaser. — photo submitted

On the 7th of November 2024, the Glenwood City High School members of the National Honor Society joined together with the members of the Spanish Honor Society to celebrate the induction of new membership for the past year in the high school commons. 

To gain entry to the organization, students are required to demonstrate competency in a variety of areas including scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These principles are considered transformative keys that unlock each student’s potential, enhance every student’s educational journey, and empower them to make profound and enduring contributions to our world.

To apply for membership, students are invited to participate if they have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 by the end of their first semester of sophomore year. The application process involves documenting the various ways these individuals have contributed to their community as a whole as well as providing sponsors from the community as a whole. 

Last year approximately 20 students applied to be part of the organization and eleven were accepted. Acceptance requires that the student’s application be supported favorably by at least three members of a five person staff committee. While many of the students put forth excellent applications, many of those applying who did not gain membership were simply asked to work on their involvement and reapply again in the future. Students are eligible to apply through the end of their senior year.

The cabinet members of President Charlie Lamb, Vice President Kyra Dahl, Treasurer Kiley Leduc, Secretary Brooklynn Brite, and Historian Emily Tews were part of the induction committee and were joined by chapter advisor, David Popko, distinguished speaker, Dr. Randall Ketola, and High School Principal, Marcy Burch. 

The cabinet members orchestrated the event under the leadership of Kyra Dahl and the ceremony inducted 11 new members, bringing membership to 19 total participants. Those inducted were as follows:

Katelynn Bazille, Brooklynn Brite, Anaka Eliason, Blake Fayerweather, Tyler Harrington, Hailey Ketola, Jenna McCarthy, Landon Obermueller, Evelyn Radintz, Opal Voeltz, and Tessa Wagner. 

In addition, the Spanish Honor Society-Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (Puertas Abiertas) had the privilege to induct one additional member in Hailey Ketola under the direction of Senora Amanda Sandor. Membership in the Spanish Honor Society is quite exclusive wherein students have to dedicate themselves to four years of Spanish language learning. Ms. Ketola had the rare privilege of being inducted into both organizations at the same time and Senora Sandor pointed out how exceptional such an achievement is.

When the first semester comes to an end in mid-January, the new semester grade reports will run and any student with a cumulative grade point average above 3.5 who is not a member will be invited to apply for NHS again. Applicants to the NHS should expect an invitation to apply in February and a response by late March. Students interested in the Spanish Honor Society should address their interest to Senora Sandor. 

Any community members looking to provide volunteer activities opportunities for NHS members should address their interest to Mr. Popko at the high school.