National Honor Society (NHS), also known as the “Smart people club” according to advisor Amy May, is a very selective organization. To be invited to apply for NHS, students must hold at least a 4.5 GPA. The applicants must get recommendations from teachers and show their previous experiences with the four pillars. To be ‘tapped’, or accepted, students are required to show strength in the pillars of NHS; scholarship, leadership, character and service and be selected by the counsel. The counsel, made up of teachers, shuffle through the applications to select which students are deemed worthy of NHS. Once the students are accepted, the senior officers make a surprise visit into students’ classrooms to tap and congratulate new members in front of the other students.

“As I hurried with my team from classroom to classroom, I couldn’t help but remember when I was once the student anxiously awaiting her medal and letter of acceptance into NHS,” president Obinna Ejikeme said. “Now, as the carrier of the good news, I was only filled with excitement and joy at the sight of the relieved and grateful smiles of the future inductees.”

A total of 94 new members were inducted during the ceremony Oct. 30. It started with a speech from guest speaker, Algebra II teacher Mrs. Mary Carter. The basis around her speech was to never give up no matter the circumstances or things said to destroy self-confidence. She shared her story about getting called “mentally retarded” by her preschool teacher, and later being told she will never be successful in basketball due to her short height and petite stature by her gymnastics teacher. She told the guests that she ended up playing NCAA basketball at St. Mary’s college in San Antonio, where she led her division in 3-pt percentage her senior year and graduated her high school class number 11 out of roughly 700.

“If there was one thing I want these inductees to come away with, it is to never let those things bring you down. Don’t give up,” Mrs. Carter said.

Inductees were required to select an educator to be their honored guest. This could be anyone from their entire academic career, whether it is a coach, principal, counselor or teacher. Honored guests were asked to take a picture and later join them in the after celebration of punch and cookies in the cafeteria.

“Some of these students I have known for years; I have watched them grow up and mature into wonderful young people, so having them choose me was like a mama bear watching her young cubs grow up. I’m so proud of each student and honored they felt like I had made such an impact on them. It warms my heart and reminds me why I chose this profession,” honored guest Mrs. Kelly Lyons said.

The inductees signed their name in the NHS Chapter Member Registry after they walked across the stage and received their official certificate deeming them a member of Wylie East’s chapter of the National Honor Society. The 94 inductees must maintain the GPA, obtain a required number of service hours each nine-week period and maintain their qualities in the four pillars.

“As I sat with the other officers and returning members on the stage, facing the new inductees seated in the auditorium, my excitement and joy was converted into pride for all the bright and intelligent students I saw before me,” Ejikeme said.