Students of academic excellence were recognized at Penn-Trafford High School as they were inducted into the National Honors Society on Nov. 2. They were announced as they walked across the auditorium stage and then gathered for a ceremony afterwards.
“National Honors Society recognizes people who go above and beyond in their academics and their communities,” said senior Travis Barkefelt, president of the society.
This organization includes students with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher throughout their freshman and sophomore years. These students receive an application at the beginning of their junior year.
The application does not only focus on the academic strengths of the students as much as it examines the personal characteristics of the student. There is a category for co-curricular activities, such as clubs or organizations the student is involved in. Inductees must also show they are strong leaders in their community and do ample community service work.
Students planning on getting inducted are also able to provide additional information which makes them stand out, such as work experience or significant awards. On top of this, they must have six signatures of recommendation.
Once inducted, the members must maintain a GPA of 3.75. Alternative actions will be taken for any student who does not meet this requirement. Barkefelt said that they continue to show involvement to their community by participating in the Veterans Drive and Toys for Tots.
Barkefelt said he hopes the National Honors Society gets more visibility this year.
“In previous years, we haven’t really done much besides the Veterans Drive and Toys for Tots,” said Barkefelt. “I talked with the principal and we greenlit a potential senior trip to the state capitol.”
He will be sending out an interest form for this trip within a few weeks.
Barkefelt said being a member of the National Honors Society does more than simply look good on college applications.
“Members can give back to the community that has done so much for them,” he said.