National Art Honors Society

By: Braelynn Shirota

Managing Editor

Residing in the midst of R-Building, a specific classroom finds itself standing out during Wiki time on Tuesdays. It’s decorated with various forms of art that clearly display an untold history. The students inside are no different. They were put together for a reason, forming a community of young artists dedicated to giving back to our Konawaena community, through channeling their creativity into creations. This community is known as the school’s very own National Art Honors Society.

Sponsored by our 12-year art teacher, Chris Pascual, and currently headed by student, Ruby Dahl, NAHS is a student-led club that centers around art based projects. “As of right now,” Ruby says, “our main projects are murals. We are open to doing other projects, we just haven’t done anything else this year so far.” Currently taking place on campus are two main focuses. One is three different murals in the math rooms, and an ambitious, three panel work going up in the science rooms. The themes for each are rather obvious due to their locations, but all four are integrated together because of their subject matters. 

Regardless, one of the biggest things regarding NAHS is its community. It is meant to most student members as a safe and creative place for younger artists, as it gives them an area and time where they are allowed to express themselves freely without hefty restrictions. Stated by Harper Grant, a new member of the club, “I think it's significant ‘cause NAHS gives the school more personality with murals and stuff.” It also offers students the opportunity to choose whether or not to work alone on certain aspects when it comes to projects, as not everything has to be group related. NAHS is simply meant to be a place where you can do art on campus. Students are meant to take that concept, and choose to expand it based on what they find to be the best when it comes to their own character.

Every year, like most clubs, NAHS gets new members. These students are pulled in because of many factors, such as artistic backgrounds, but not a lot come by. This is sometimes because of the restrictions needed by NAHS's bylaws in order to join that some students interested do not know of. This consists of the need for an art class, which typically prevents freshmen from joining. Though, they are still allowed to participate in projects until their Sophomore year, where they can be officially promoted as a member. Other requirements consist of a 2.5 and over “art” GPA. Yet, in this 2025 to 2026 school year, Pascual is hopeful of more individuals deciding to join NAHS. “I think this is a great year because the membership spans freshmen to seniors which we haven’t had in a long time, and it’s just gonna continue and provide consistency for the next years to come.” 

Future visions for the club aren’t necessarily set-in-stone, but still possible with the bright future of NAHS. For instance, they are currently looking into the chance of teaming up with other organizations. Beach clean ups seem to be the main view as Pascual hopes to turn trash found in the sand, into found things made into art which can be displayed on campus.