One hundred and three sophomores and juniors, out of the 167 that applied, made the cut for NHS after Dr. William McIlwee and Mrs. Krystal Phillips, NHS sponsors, reviewed and accepted their applications, March 6.

The students that got accepted into NHS had their reasons for applying.

“I applied for NHS because I wanted to join an organization where there is a specific goal of doing community service,”  Annalee Fuller (10) said.

NHS is an organization of students around the nation that demonstrate the four pillars of the NHS: scholarship, leadership, character and service.

“I would say NHS is one of the better clubs to be involved in at Eureka,” Chelsea Harris, NHS president, said. “There are so many opportunities to help others and not only be a part of your school, but also help your community.”

Although students in NHS display all four pillars, the members shine in the area of service.

New members are required to complete 15 hours of volunteer work for their first year during group service projects or individual work.

“I think it’s been a really great experience,” Taylor Schulz, NHS secretary, said. “We’ve been able to help out a lot in our community and I’ve gotten to meet so many wonderful people. I’d have to say my favorite event was SPENSA just because you get to work with the special needs kids and it allows not only the kids, but the members to actually do physical activity. Most of the other events are just sitting there helping, but this one allows you to get out and get moving .”

Now that the season for this year’s NHS members is over, the 2012-2013 members are preparing for next year with recent NHS officer elections, April 3, and the Induction Ceremony coming up, April 25, in the Commons.

“We have a great group of new officers that just got elected for next year,” Harris said. “I think they’re going to do a really great job of making sure people are involved by having a variety of opportunities to serve their community and feel a part of something after the Nerd-a- Palooza they’re having over the summer to connect the members and leaders.”

Through peer tutoring and inspiration from other students, NHS members have realized their academic lives have improved.

“Being involved has made me study harder because I know I want to stay in NHS, so I work harder to keep my grades up,” Maria Hartz, next year’s NHS president, said.

“Those who are really involved will know that it feels good to give back to the community that has given them so much and will demonstrate good character by helping out other students,” Dr. McIlwee said.

The NHS team has a new season to tackle ahead of them with steady officers waiting to lead them through it.

“I expect to work really hard and not have a social life next year, but I’m willing to risk that because I want next year’s NHS to be one of the greatest ones,” Hartz said.