Senior Sydney Accomando is a devoted member to the National Honor Society and the Foreign Language National Honor Society.

“I was happy because I work hard in school for my grades and it was nice to get recognized for it,” said Accomando.

The National Honor Society and the Foreign Language National Honor Society provides opportunities and rewards for many high school students. Students are accepted not only for their outstanding academic performance but their attitude and leadership towards their peers and community.

NHS was developed to recognize high school students for more than just an honor roll, but for those who demonstrate excellence in areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

Today, an estimated one million or more students are a part of NHS.

“It gives them pride for something they have accomplished. It’s not only about grades because it’s scholarships, community service, and character,” said Janice Kovach. “You’re being recognized in all those areas, and it shows how you are a well-rounded person.”

The NHS and FLNHS programs show up on your college applications. In some ways, colleges may factor this is large or small; but you do stand out from the rest. Showing your high qualities and your hard work is important to applicators.

To be invited to NHS, at Triton High School, a minimum requirement is a GPA of 3.95. On top of your grades, being a well-rounded person and having properties like leadership are big elements.

The committee selects students who fit the spot and from there they are given the application packet of 10 pages. The packet includes a writing section, six reference sheets from their previous years teachers, and a spot to include community service hours; where students are required a minimum of 30 hours. The packet, some may say is a lot, but filling the application out proves what you are capable of doing.

“Most colleges will review your service work, your involvement with the school, and if you are a leader in some way,” said NHS co-advisor, Kathy Norton. “Having this on your college application will give them a message of your honor status, and your characteristics in leadership and scholarship. Your service will stand out to them.”

To be invited to FLNHS, at Triton High School, a minimum requirement is a foreign language average of 90 percent or above, and an academic average of 85 percent or above. Similar to NHS, being a well rounded person is a big factor in your invitation. The committee selects the students that fulfil the grade requirement and stand out in other aspects inside and outside of school.

“It makes them more conscientious about the language that they’re learning and they take it more seriously,” said Eben Williams. “The benefit from being able to graduate with honors makes them more distinguished.”

The selection process is all anonymous. When the students hand in their applications, the office takes of their name and replaces it with a number. The advisors do not take part in selecting applicants; instead, there is a committee of five teachers from Triton, who cannot be named because it is kept anonymous from the students.

Being a part of such an organization gives students opportunities like no other. Being able to grow in those aspects and as a person is special.

Students in NHS and FLNHS have shown great progress and positivity throughout the years. The club provides the opportunity for students to study ina. special learning lounge separate from the rest of the school. This is one of many rewards and advantages NHS and FLNHS students receives.

“My favorite benefit from being a part of NHS is the lounge that we are able to use,” said junior Elisabeth Lindholm. “I love going in there when I need a quiet place to do homework or just relax during my study.”

When your hard work pays off in such a way, many believe it is rewarding. Getting privileges no average students receives is what makes NHS and FLNHS different than any other academic club.

The label of being a member is one that most students hope to have as it is a proud accomplishment. Students that have been accepted or have been a part of the club have proven to be worthy of their rewards.

“When I was selected to apply I was very happy because I knew that being part of NHS is an achievement that I really wanted for not only college, but myself,” said junior Anna Behringer.

NHS and FLNHS is a great chance for high school students to shine for themselves.