On October 23, 38 Calabasas Cougars gathered to participate in the combined induction ceremony for the National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) and the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS.
There are 29 members of the elementary club, and Melanie Zamudio, reading specialist and NEHS advisor, said their focus is on community service. Their big project is a pet supply drive to support the Santa Cruz Humane Society. Last year the project was held in May, and students collected pet food, toys, and blankets.
This year, the elementary students plan to make placemats for residents of nursing homes to eat their holiday meals on.
Ami Kemp, middle school counselor and NJHS advisor, said the goals for middle school students include scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. The focus of the middle school group this year will be raising money to purchase shade trees around campus.
There are currently nine middle school students participating in NJHS.
To qualify for participation, students must fill out an application. The process is slightly different for elementary students and middle school students. The elementary students who are recommended by their teachers fill out an application along with their parents.
Students must demonstrate some of the following character traits: responsibility, high standards of honesty and reliability, a cooperative and supportive attitude, courtesy, concern and respect for others, good citizenship, help others, leadership qualities, problem solver, involvement in school activities, and dependability.
Middle school students must also fill out an application which includes two letters of recommendation from their teachers and a written statement. The students must be strong academically.
Once students have been selected and invited based upon the application process, they participate in an induction ceremony such as the one held in October. The National Honor Society website states that the induction ceremony is a special occasion to honor new members, celebrate their accomplishments, and welcome them into the club.
Students receive a certificate verifying their membership in the organization.
When asked if there are any plans to collaborate, Kemp said, “We hope to include the NEHS members at our community service event when we plant trees.”