Academic success is something that every student tries for in life, but it’s just a simple fact that not all can achieve the highest of academic titles. It’s not a sign of lack of effort or bad character, but for those who put in vast amounts of effort into not only their scholastic work but their community as well, there are many benefits to be gained. One such reward is a club that goes far beyond that simple title. On Tuesday, January 28th, a select few Manitou Springs High School (MSHS) sophomores were inducted into the prestigious National Honor Society.

The National Honor Society at MSHS is made up of a small percentage of the student body that shows not only academic excellence but also is making an impact in their school, home and the overall community. Students in grades 10 and 11 who had a grade point average of about 3.6 were invited to complete an application for the selective society. After the rigorous persuasive writing portion was completed, applicants then filled out a questionnaire in order to show their commitment to the four pillars of the National Honor Society: academics, character, service, and leadership. After a couple of weeks of anticipation, applicants were notified of their status that was decided by a committee of teachers and other school faculty. The feat is one those admitted hold with great pride, but for those not admitted this year, it is a goal in which they can pursue and work hard for in the coming years.

This year, nine members were inducted in celebratory fashion at the historic Briarhurst building: Jackson Dunlap (10), Tess Loria (10), Sean Lowe (10), Anna Kilpela (10), Raymond McCaskey (10), Abigail Parker (10), Jaxen Sellers (10), Kody Smith (10) and Colton Talbot (10).

Now that the new member induction is complete, the National Honor Society is now working towards its service projects that are set to be completed by the end of the 2019-2020 school year. These include the conclusion to the prior engaged voter drive, where members of NHS worked with their peers to get them registered and pre-registered to be able to vote in the upcoming elections. There is also a plan for a dress drive, to provide students that aren’t in a position financially to possibly have the attire they’d like for events such as prom, and a food drive, to provide food items to families in the district who are in need.

Overall, the new inductees will be able to say their hard work inside the classroom and outside of their homes has paid off, but the community can rest assured they will be held to a high standard to ensure their dedication to Manitou Springs itself. There’s plenty of work for the prestigious club in the future, but for now, it’s a good time for the new inductees to celebrate their great achievement.