Students interested in Spanish language and culture, and excel in at least three semesters of Spanish as a 10th grader or higher, are eligible and encouraged to join one of the newest and most prestigious organizations at the school, the Spanish Honor Society; also known as La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica.
Currently, the Society has around 50 members, but 70 more students are eligible for membership. The Spanish Honor Society is growing larger each year, which has the administrator, Katherine Isbell, looking forward to the changes that come with a larger organization.
“Right now my favorite aspect is how we have grown,” Isbell said. “We started with 25 students and after this induction on April 4will be at around 100 members. This means there is a growing population of students who take their language studies seriously and are interested in expanding their knowledge of the Spanish speaking communities here and in other parts of the world.”
While the growth of the organization is Ms. Isbell’s favorite aspect of this organization, she also remarked on what the students’ favorite aspect of the Society is.
“Coming together as a group and having their accomplishments in Spanish acknowledged and of course going to events in the Dallas area is their favorite aspect of the Society,” Isbell said.
The president of the SHH, senior Breanna Figuly, adds her opinion of what her favorite part of being in the organization is.
“Cultural field trips are wonderful!” Figley said. “Being able to go out with the SHH kids to the Dallas Museum of Art and Garland Performing Arts Center was the most memorable for me.”
With growth comes changes, though, and an important change is taking place for next year’s members.
“One change for next year is to bring in a service project requirement,” Isbell said. I am talking with people in the community to find a good match for SHH members.”
The applications for this year’s possible inductees have already been sent to those who qualified.
Isbell offers advice for students who are thinking about joining the Society next year.
“I would like to remind students that we are an honor society, which means membership is grade and achievement based,” Isbell said. “If students don’t maintain their grades, dismissal can result.”
The criteria to be asked to join is as follows:
- Student must be currently enrolled in a Spanish Class
- Student must be enrolled in the third semester of Spanish or higher
- Student must be in the 10th grade or higher
- Student must have an A average in all Spanish classes (*pre AP and AP students can have an 85 average)
- Student must have an overall average of 85
There is a one-time membership fee of $18, which includes a certificate, patch, tee shirt and honors cords.
Ms. Isbell is now looking forward to inducting the new members and continuing the legacy of La Punta de Este, or Eastern Point Chapter, of the Spanish Honor Society.
“I hope all of the candidates will get their application materials turned in so that the Society continues to grow,” Isbell said.
