Nearly 100 juniors and seniors walk through the halls with bronze medallions, slowly spinning on a horizontal axis, around their necks. These medals come from the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS), which recently tapped 78 new members during second period classes Oct. 28.

That morning the organization’s officers—seniors TJ Partridge, Priya Varghese, Andrea Espinoza, Jordan Chancellor and Hunter Nardiello—visited the classrooms of those who qualified, giving them an informational packet and spinning “Wylie East NHS” medal.

“When the officers entered my class I was anxious,” junior Reilly Clark said. “I just wanted to hear my name. When I heard my name, all of my nerves washed away because I knew my hard work had paid off.”

Selected on the basis of scholarship, leadership, service and character, members had to complete a detailed application, which included a catalog of their service and extracurricular activities.

“The application process was really eye-opening, because I didn’t realize how many things I was involved in,” junior Kate Sheets said.

With 78 students tapped for NHS, the total membership of the organization is 123 members, breaking the 100-member mark for the first time in the chapter’s history.

“Seeing the organization grow and become more successful is really exciting, especially from the point of view of an officer,” treasurer Jordan Chancellor said. “This new group of inductees is very enthusiastic, and I’m pumped to see the atmosphere they’ll bring to the chapter.”

The formal induction ceremony for new members will be in the auditorium, where students will invite a significant adult from age 5 until now as a special guest at 7 p.m. Nov. 7.

“I’m looking forward to participating in more activities to help our school and community that NHS will be a part of,” senior Jocelyne Delgado said.

NHS is an honor society across the country open to all juniors and seniors with a GPA of 4.5 or higher on the 6-point scale. Mrs. Amy May and Ms. Jessica Taylor sponsor NHS.