By Makayla Patterson
Katahdin NHS President
When high school students think of the title National Honor Society, they think that grades are the only important criteria. But in reality that is not true. Grades are only one important factor in the selection process. There are four “pillars” upon which students are assessed for recognition as a National Honor Society member. Along with grades are leadership skills, service to school and community, and character.
Being National Honor Society President has helped me vastly improve my organizational skills, my leadership skills, and the importance I now place on volunteering in my community. As President, I am expected to be a leader of my peers and a role model for other students. I am expected to work to the best of my ability and to be ready to take on challenges to help the school. When I am needed, my time is dedicated to the service of the National Honor Society.
Contributed photograph
KATAHDIN NHS — Students recognized for their scholarship, character, service and leadership are, from left, front, Kami Guiggey, MacKenzie Roy, Kassadi Moore, Makayla Patterson, Dalaney Fitzpatrick and Mariah Farrington; back, Ms. Harvey, advisor; Morgan Livezey, Hannah Buhler, Lucas Anderson, Jacob Buhler, Cole Lane, Matthew Cunha, Caleb Cullen and Megan Baker.
This year, we inducted seven new members. We will have two members graduating, leaving Katahdin’s NHS chapter with 12 valued members. These 12 members will carry on the tradition and maintain the standards of scholarship, character, leadership, and service that have helped them to become National Honor Society members in good standing.
During this school year we have participated in the regional Aroostook County National Honor Society’s chosen projects and conferences. As well we have volunteered at Celebration of Life, a fundraiser for cancer patients and their families, Special Olympics, a Patten Academy Alumni function and a flower-planting project in Patten. For our “school community” we host our middle school awards dinner, and act as ushers at the school’s graduation.
As I am graduating this year, and my presidency is winding down, I’m enlivened and despaired. I am enlivened because it is now someone else’s turn to make a difference for the school, though I am proud of everything that we have accomplished throughout my time as an NHS member. I am despaired because I am leaving the school and will not be a part of Katahdin High School for much longer. I am very positive though that next years’ National Honor Society will continue to be involved and active and will continue to make the school a better place for all its students. I am very proud of every NHS member and am glad that I am able to spend my last few weeks of high school here at Katahdin with a great group of students and friends.
