National English Honors Society sponsor Mrs. Tamara Diprima gives junior Samantha Burk her certificate during the induction ceremony. Photo by Allie Heren.
On Sept. 10 2024 the East chapter of The National English Honors Society inducted 34 new members for the 2024/2025 school year.
Junior and Senior students who excel in their English classes, achieving over a 3.5 grade point average, have the opportunity to apply for the National English Honors Society (NEHS). This society is known for achieving service and chapter projects and bettering the English language in their communities. In the spring of the previous school year, many students write an essay and fill out an application expressing their interest in NEHS, and eagerly await their invitation to the society.
Junior, Samantha Burk, was inducted into NEHS and thought the ceremony was very exciting, and is eager to start this year’s events. She especially thought that the application was well thought out and a great way to showcase her abilities.
“I wanted to be a part of the National English Honors Society because it looks good on college applications and because English has been a huge part of my life,” Burk said. “To apply, I filled out a Google form, wrote an essay, and had a teacher provide a positive reference.”
Burk, being a well-rounded student, has a 4.6-weighted English GPA, making her an ideal candidate for this committee. More importantly, she has a passion for English and the drive to be her best self which makes her a standout student.
Other than the new inductees, the second-year members were also recognized for their continued excellence. These students have the same prerequisites as the first-year inductees, while also being expected to do other tasks and projects to give back to their community.
Returning senior, Sahana Mathan was elected president of the NEHS chapter at East by her peers and has big plans for the members this year. She is known as a leader by her English teachers and always has shown amazing potential in her English work.
“I wanted to be the president of the National English Honors Society because we did a lot of service projects last year, but I didn’t feel like we reached our full potential. I wanted to be president so I could give people a lot of good opportunities and give back to the community,” Mathan said.
All members of the society look up to not only the executive board but especially to the sponsor Mrs. Tamara Diprima. Mrs. Dirpima has been the sponsor of NEHS for around 10 years, while also being an English teacher at East. Her continued support for this chapter of NEHS continues to encourage students to do their best work and help others.
“I like seeing some of my best students in another type of setting, and I think it’s a good challenge for them to apply to their English skills in a different way while getting more involved in the community,” Mrs. Diprima said. “My favorite part is the projects and working with the kids on some of the competitions they join each year.”
This honors society is a huge opportunity for students at East and something that underclassmen can strive for in their English classes. Students in NEHS will work throughout the year on service projects, as well as being an inspiration to younger students. Sophomores can look forward to applying to this prestigious society at the end of this school year, in hopes of being the next group of inductees.
This year students in NEHS will use their work ethic and strong English skills to better those around them and influence others to give back to the community.
Written by Junior Allie Heren. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.