The National Honors Society (NHS) at Mater Dei High School is deeply rooted in community involvement and academic excellence. For many students, membership is both a meaningful service opportunity and a powerful way to demonstrate leadership to colleges. Still, many may wonder: What exactly is the NHS? 

The National Honors Society is a nationwide program that recognizes high school students who exemplify prowess in four core areas: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Each school has its own chapter with specific requirements. At Mater Dei, students must maintain a 4.0 GPA and complete a specified number of service hours based on their grade level to be eligible for induction.

Students are inducted into the Mater Dei chapter during an ceremony that includes reciting the NHS oath and receiving a certificate. Chapter officer and senior Peter LeVecke believes that what makes the Mater Dei NHS chapter so prestigious is the number of prerequisites to be allowed in.  

“NHS is prestigious because it recognizes high school students who excel in four key areas: scholarship, leadership, character, and service,” LeVecke said.

In addition to these, Levecke himself has extra priorities that come along with the leadership program. These include planning and organizing events and service-hour opportunities, as well as serving as an extension of the school and representing it through Honor, Glory, and Love.

With these additional responsibilities comes a lot of additional work, but the benefits extend far beyond the resume. NHS is not only a way to give back to the community, but it is also a valuable distinction on college applications due to the required amount of commitment.  Andrew Sinagio, an active NHS member and a volunteer within his community as well, believes the many ways that NHS can benefit him for the better. 

“The NHS has given me the opportunity to strive for something in the future and a great way to do it,” Sinagio said.

In addition, NHS is more than just a cord you get at graduation; it is an active club as well. According to collegebase.org, colleges look for students who address their community’s needs and seek to broaden their perspectives when it comes to doing outside work.

“Examples include using NHS resources to address community needs, mentoring younger students toward academic improvement, or connecting NHS service projects with intended college majors,” CollegeBase.org states.

Sophomores and juniors in NHS are encouraged to expand their skill sets in various ways, whether by getting more involved in community service or applying for summer internships. The National Honors Society website states that students who take AP/IB programs are often more competitive in college admissions due to the rigor of the courses

NHS at Mater Dei is a magnificent program that offers students academic recognition, leadership opportunities, and meaningful volunteer experiences.

 “It really has helped me become a better person and has helped me lead with Honor, Glory, and Love,” Sinagio said.