Students come together to make a difference

Students come together to make a difference

    PRESQUE ISLE – “Building the Future by Reusing the Past” was the theme and the mindset of the students of the Maine National Honor Society throughout this school year. The cabinet members chose this year’s theme because of its multiple avenues of services that went along with it. Students were able to build a better future by reusing tangible materials, as well as reusing intangible materials such as skills and talents taught to them in the past. 

    Every year the MNHS students come together at the state convention in April at the University of Maine at Orono. The students listen to guest speakers, participate in workshops, meet NHS students from all over the state, and work on the state service project. Each chapter works on the state project in their hometown then brings their work to the state convention to be pulled together as one donation.
    To build up the future of others in present times of need, this year’s state service project was collecting items for two large shelters in the Bangor area. There were a total of 160 reusable grocery bags full of items for the shelters. During the lunch break, students took turns organizing and packing the bags.
    In addition to the state service project, there was a new piece to go along with this year’s theme. Instead of only reaching out to a single area in Maine, the MNHS decided to spread out and give back to areas all over the state. Each chapter was asked to complete a local project in their community that related to the theme. The NHS chapters were able to help build a better future in their own towns by mentoring to younger children, organizing recyclable materials and starting their own collection banks for local shelters. By taking materials, skills and talents they already had, the Maine National Honor Society was able to build up their state and their communities toward a brighter future.
    The National Honor Society stands on the four pillars of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. The effect of these areas came out clearly at the state convention when more than 500 students came and worked toward improving their state. It was inspiring to see the work and enthusiasm put forth by the Maine National Honor Society students, as well as their effort given to see that life in Maine is building up to a better present and a better future.

 

    MEMBERS OF PRESQUE ISLE HIGH SCHOOL’S National Honor Society collected and donated items to the shelters in Maine as part of this year’s State Project. Collecting items were, seated, from left: Steve Ford and Ryan Bernier. Second row: Jessica Stepp, Deidre Dicker, Whitney LaPointe, Liana Cao, Haley Johnston, Bethany Lord, Hailee Bartlett, Kailee Ireland and Casey Carson. Back row: Ethan Braley, Laurel Curtis, Jordan Harris, Elizabeth Wright, Kelsey Park, Keenan Eaton, Richard Flora and Madelyn Carson, state NHS president. The advisers are Helena Ford and Jim York.

 

    COLLECTING MONEY for the Presque Isle High School National Honor Society Service Project were, front row, from left: Ryan Bernier, Hailee Bartlett, Bethany Lord, Haley Johnston, Kelsey Park, Deidre Dicker, Casey Carson, Kailee Ireland and Whitney LaPointe. Back row: Keenan Eaton, Ethan Braley, Richard Flora and Steve Ford. The advisers are Helena Ford and Jim York. Money raised benefited the Children’s Miracle Network.