Helping the community proves to be rewarding
By Dani Wolland
Presque Isle High School National Honor Society treasurer
The National Honor Society at Presque Isle High School, just like at any other school, is a group expected to set an example for the rest of the student body. To be on NHS comes with a daily responsibility to hold up the four pillars of the National Honor Society — scholarship, leadership, service and character.
Photo courtesy of Presque Isle High School
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY members from PIHS are, 
from left, front row: Michaela Powers, parliamentarian; JoLonna Gough, Bethany Beckwith, vice president; Amanda Bennett, Rachel Dow, Chandler Guerrette, Kayla Richards, Megan Ireland, Kayla Girardin and Dani Wolland, treasurer. Back row: Courtney Colligan, Chelsey Carroll, Aidan Sawyer, Kent Smith, Claire Cheney, secretary; Laurin Ackerson, Sarah McEachern, Karlee Bernier, Liza Buck, Ryley Norton, Evan Waddell, Connor Shaw, parliamentarian; Casey Bonville, Cole Richards, Adam Flynn, Kelsey Buck and Isaac LaJoie, president.
As a member, we must exceed the standards the pillars set for us. The chapter at PIHS not only meets, but also exceeds the standards of the National Honor Society. Most members go far and beyond the service hours required, and volunteer at places such as the animal shelter, nursing home, soup kitchen and homeless shelter. Being on NHS is a privilege and honor that all of us members cherish and promote. The success of NHS chapters highlights the effectiveness of its members.
THE PIHS CHAPTER of the National Honor Society assisted the American Red Cross in holding blood drives at the school during the months of October and November. 
Helping register donors were, from left: Amanda Bennett, JoLonna Gough, Chelsey Carroll and Rachel Dow.
As a senior, this is my second year on NHS. From the day I was selected, I have felt honored to be a member. Now that I hold the position of treasurer, I have an even better insight into the program. Being selected certainly enhances one’s self-confidence and belief in oneself. NHS is something that I will always carry with me in dealing with daily life. Not only does NHS benefit members in the present, but also it will further success in the future.
Service as one of the pillars allows for every member to provide the local community with beneficial assistance. As a chapter, we have accomplished two service projects this year, the I-Care bags and the toiletry collection. It is a great feeling to be able to help people who are less fortunate or underprivileged.
Photos courtesy of Presque Isle High School
IN PARTNERSHIP with the American Red Cross, the PIHS National Honor Society chapter helped organize, recruit, and put on a very successful blood drive in the school gymnasium. All of the 27 members recruited at least three donors each during the months of October and November. In the end, over 120 people donated blood — twice the average — and according to the Red Cross, it was one of the most successful blood drives of 2011. Assisting in the effort were, from left: Adam Flynn, Isaac LaJoie, Jim York, adviser; Connor Shaw and Ryley Norton. 
NHS enables people to become aware of all the little things in life that we take for granted, in addition to showing how powerful our efforts can be in changing peoples’ lives. This is not to say we put little time or effort into our service; we are required three service hours per month. Our adviser, Mr. Jim York, made an important and respectable decision by requiring two additional hours each month compared to our previous of one. Completing community service not only benefits the recipient, but it also benefits the one taking the time to do so.
