Highlighting our Honor Students

By: Dafina Konushevci - Junior

Wallkill Valley prides itself in academics and the ever-evolving interests of our student population. On December 6th, the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) held their induction ceremony in our school's media center. The evening celebrated our high achieving students who excel in the arts. Family and friends were also in attendance to honor these individuals. The National English Honor Society (NEHS) is another organization that recognizes and encourages excellence through a variety of activities and services. Students are eagerly awaiting the NEHS induction which will take place on April 10th. Both honor societies recognize students for their compelling leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

NEHS

Images of December Book Sales : 2023

What is NEHS?

The National English Honor Society, coordinated by English teacher, Ms. Jenn Grabowski, is an organization that promotes the importance of literature in our lives and community service. NEHS typically meet the first Tuesday of the month in L224 after school.

NEHS projects:

Some of their work includes..

Seasonal writing contests
Book sale
Tutoring struggling English students.
Assisting the Rotary Club stamp dictionaries towards local district Middle School students.
A service project called: The Night to Shine - a prom for special needs students
SAT Wall of Fame : Students who receive 700-800 on their SAT's are eligible

Requirements:

Apart from a student's interest, they must have:

Have a 3.5 GPA in English + other classes
To be a student leader (ex. active participation in clubs, sports, and/or activities)
Once inducted, students pay an annual fee of $30.
Fees go towards their cords and pins during graduation.

Students enjoyed Munchkins with the preschoolers after reading.

Notable Highlight: Children's Book

Both Visual Arts students and members of NEHS collaborated in creating a children's book to read at the Childhood Development classroom. As it was Ms. Grabowski's favorite event, she believes the organization is a place for everyone to share their skills and talents. She states, "I couldn’t tell if the pre-school students were more excited or the students. It was a good learning opportunity that benefitted everyone."

*If you meet these requirements, you may be eligible to participate!

Classroom Code: n73ytjz

*Submissions are due January 31st @7:59am

aaa

Members of NEHS

Co-Presidents: Both their duties include running monthly meetings and to answer questions about membership

Jackie Schels

Ashley Sutherland

Secretary: Records all meetings, events, and members

Kayleigh Newsome

Treasurer: Responsible for monetary transactions and holding secretary in charge of Student Activities

Emily Pauciello

Sgt at Arms: Overseer of all members' completion and to assist Co-Presidents with guiding newer members

Sydney Vierzchalek

Historians: Responsible for their Instagram account and obtaining suggestions for future posts and activities

Gabi Jankowski, Lily Tobachnick, Jesse Diribe, Delight Oti, Olivia Owens

NEHS Instagram Page:

Ms. Grabowski + Co-President Jackie Schels' Take on NEHS

Ms. Grabowski

For two years, Ms. Grabowski has been in charge of the NEHS. She believes that in order for students to participate in and out of school, they have to not just be a leader but well-rounded. “As a teacher, I want to create students to be leaders of society." Ms. Grabowski wants to give back to students what they've learned as well as herself. She hopes to make an impact towards their educational experience.

Jackie Schels

Jackie Schels, a senior at Wallkill, upholds the Co-President title alongside Ashley Sutherland. When discussing the ways in which NEHS is important, she thinks that everyone is connected together to share similar interests. English is her favorite subject and she likes to read and write. "As presidents, it's fulfilling enough for something you’re so interested in." Jackie's love for helping people makes her role at NEHS so much more meaningful.

NAHS

Images of former NAHS events

What is NAHS?

National Art Honor Society is an organization dedicated to students who excel in the arts. Advised by Mrs. Fairweather, NAHS meets once a month in D122.

NAHS Projects:

Empty Bowls: a large service project in the spring dedicated to having students create soup bowls. The faculty and staff can pay $5 for lunch and receive a delicious soup in one of the beautiful hand-crafted bowls. Donations go towards Franklin's food pantry.
Pumpkin Contest @ Crystal Springs
Students can help out by hanging the Wallkill art show and Photo Expo and by helping to sell items for our craft sale

Requirements:

Students can be at any art level, but students must be recommended by their teacher.
Once inducted, students must pay an annual fee of $16.
Students who stay active in the honor society graduate with NAHS cords – impressive for students who want to pursue a future in art.
Students should attend all meetings and participate in at least 75% of activities and/or events

Members of NAHS

President: Emma Babcock

Vice President: Jade Pulecio

Secretary: Ava Berner

Treasurer - Clay Pokrzkya

Historian - Georgia Wheeler

Activities Chair - Claire Kornak

NAHS Instagram Page:

Induction Ceremony

On December 6th, 2023, students alongside parents were thrilled to celebrate the new inductees as well as last year's members. Mrs. Fairweather finds the inductive to be a great time to celebrate all of her high achieving students.

Members of NAHS

Mrs. Fairweather's Take on NAHS

"The arts are a form of communication across all cultures. The arts can transform our attitudes, our beliefs and hence it serves as a vehicle for social change. In many ways the arts are the greatest educators of people." She hopes for the Art Honor Society, a great opportunity for Wallkill artists, to continue for many years.

Next Page ➡️

Page updated

Report abuse