Symbolism

It seems almost inevitable that an English organization would have well-articulated symbolism.

We would hate to disappoint.

Emblem

The emblem of the Society is a royal blue globe surrounded by a four-sided, curved corner, gold figuration. The four sides of the shield symbolize the four major areas of the English language arts--literature, writing, language, and media studies; the sides do not meet sharply at right angles, but instead flow smoothly by means of the curved lines, one into another, suggesting the creative blending of multiple forms of literacy.

The circle--symbol of perfection--represents the full community of readers and writers who embrace the field of English. Within the circle are an open book and a pen, traditional emblems for the language arts experience, and reminders of the potential power of words well-expressed.

The royal blue background represents creativity and inspiration, while the surrounding gold symbolizes both excellence and nobility of spirit.

Overall, the four-sided figure encasing the symbolic circle is supported on the base of a torch, representing the light of truth as it shines through literature, language, writing, and media.

Motto

The NEHS motto, "gelast sceal mid are," is Old English for: "duty goes with honor." The motto represents one of the earliest forms of our language, affirming and celebrating an obligation to use one's gifts in service to others. Service to peers, school, and community are part and parcel of the NEHS mission--and, indeed, in the grammatical structure of the Old English phrase, "duty" actually precedes "honor."

Pronunciation: yuh-lahst shal mid ahr-uh

Colors

The official colors of the society are royal blue and gold. The deep richness of royal blue represents creativity and inspiration, while the bright fullness of gold reflects excellence and nobility of spirit.

Flower

White carnations, marks of distinction and symbolic of pure truth, are the authorized flowers of NEHS.

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