Picture yourself standing in Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, feeling the echoes of the Bard’s timeless plays. Wander through the romantic, windswept landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, where the Brontë sisters found inspiration for their haunting novels. Immerse yourself in the scholarly ambiance of the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s leading academic institutions, where countless literary greats have studied. Roam the bustling, historic streets of London, the vibrant city that has set the stage for a myriad of stories.

This tour offers more than just sightseeing. You’ll engage in exclusive workshops, participate in creative writing sessions designed to ignite your imagination, and delve deep into the rich history of English literature. Each location you visit is steeped in literary significance, offering a unique opportunity to explore the environments that shaped some of the greatest works ever written.

But this adventure isn’t limited to the past. You’ll also experience the vibrant world of contemporary British literature. Attend cutting-edge theatrical performances that bring modern stories to life, visit charming bookstores that showcase the latest literary trends, and engage in discussions with fellow literature enthusiasts about the current and future directions of British writing. This blend of historical and contemporary experiences will provide you with a well-rounded understanding of the literary landscape.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary journey, where every corner holds a new story waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a budding writer, an avid reader, or a literature enthusiast, this tour promises to be a transformative experience that will deepen your appreciation for English literature and inspire your own creative endeavors.

Find out more about the NEHS UK Literary Tour and how to apply.

National English Honor Society

The National English Honor Society (NEHS), founded and sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, is the only international organization exclusively for secondary students and faculty who, in the field of English, merit special note for past and current accomplishments. Individual secondary schools are invited to petition for a local chapter, through which individuals may be inducted into Society membership. Immediate benefits of affiliation include academic recognition, scholarship and award eligibility, and opportunities for networking with others who share enthusiasm for, and accomplishment in, the language arts.

America’s first honor society was founded in 1776, but high school students didn’t have access to such organizations for another 150 years. Since then, high school honor societies have been developed in leadership, drama, journalism, French, Spanish, mathematics, the sciences, and in various other fields, but not in English. In 2005, National English Honor Society launched and has been growing steadily since, becoming one of the largest academic societies for secondary schools.

As Joyce Carol Oates writes, “This is the time for which we have been waiting.” Or perhaps it was Shakespeare: “Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer . . .” we celebrate English studies through NEHS.

National English Honor Society accepts submissions to our blog, NEHS Museletter, from all membership categories (students, Advisors, and alumni). If you are interested in submitting a blog, please read the Suggested Guidelines on our website. Email any questions and all submissions to: submit@nehsmuseletter.us.

The first time I participated in reading buddies at my local elementary school I simply saw it as an easy way to get out of class. I saw it as a break, a relaxing morning. It was a simple activity that I didn’t give much second thought to. Over time reading has become so accustomed to me that I often find myself overlooking the true excitement of picking up a book and reading, and I feel that many peers my age feel the same way. We’ve gotten too busy. We spend too much time worrying about college, the future, friends, and our social status. We forget about the times when all we cared about was reading our favorite bedtime story.

Watching the young students pick up book after book for me to read reminded me of that time when I would beg my mother to read me another story. I would count down the minutes until I could pick up my favorite book and read another chapter. Listening to the kids perfectly explain the plot of the books they were reading allowed me to slow down. Their excitement for something as simple as a book made me stop and think about my life as a whole and where my priorities stood. I stopped worrying about what I was going to do after school, who I was going to see on the weekend. It reminded me of all of my favorite childhood books and the way I would talk about them for hours upon hours. It allowed me to take a breath and really appreciate the world around me.

None of this would be possible without the opportunities given to me through the National English Honor Society. Participating in my school’s reading buddies program through NEHS has truly been an honor. I remember being in elementary school and waiting for the days when the high schoolers would come to visit and read to us, yet, I never stopped to think that one day I would be a part of that. Now here I am about two months away from graduating and I am so grateful that reading buddies was a part of my high school career. It has truly shown me a newfound appreciation for the importance of literature at such a young age. Because of this experience, I will never again disregard the joy of picking up a book, sitting down, and diving into a new world with new possibilities.

Gabriella Condrick is an 18 year old high school senior at Sun Valley High School, NC, who is ready to embark on the next chapter of her life. She was born in Long Island, NY, and raised in Charlotte, NC. She spends her time reading, writing, and hanging out with friends. Gabriella has been dancing for 15 years and has been teaching dance for five. Her plans after high school include attending East Carolina University and achieving a major in entrepreneurship as well as dance; she plans to one day open up her very own dance studio. Gabriella thrives in a creative environment and hopes to one day share her passions with the world.

National English Honor Society

The National English Honor Society (NEHS), founded and sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, is the only international organization exclusively for secondary students and faculty who, in the field of English, merit special note for past and current accomplishments. Individual secondary schools are invited to petition for a local chapter, through which individuals may be inducted into Society membership. Immediate benefits of affiliation include academic recognition, scholarship and award eligibility, and opportunities for networking with others who share enthusiasm for, and accomplishment in, the language arts.

America’s first honor society was founded in 1776, but high school students didn’t have access to such organizations for another 150 years. Since then, high school honor societies have been developed in leadership, drama, journalism, French, Spanish, mathematics, the sciences, and in various other fields, but not in English. In 2005, National English Honor Society launched and has been growing steadily since, becoming one of the largest academic societies for secondary schools.

As Joyce Carol Oates writes, “This is the time for which we have been waiting.” Or perhaps it was Shakespeare: “Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer . . .” we celebrate English studies through NEHS.

National English Honor Society accepts submissions to our blog, NEHS Museletter, from all membership categories (students, Advisors, and alumni). If you are interested in submitting a blog, please read the Suggested Guidelines on our website. Email any questions and all submissions to: submit@nehsmuseletter.us.

Eat and Read brings literacy to the people by putting books in their hands and introducing authors to communities. Eat and Read Literacy Project has given away over 20,000 books since 2019 and hosted over 160 authors ranging from Harvard professors to self-published community members with a great story to tell! When an author visits Melba’s for a book event, Eat and Read purchases 100 copies of their book to give away for free to anyone who comes to the event. Many community members have become regular attendees of book events and report having filled entire bookshelves with the books that they have gotten for free from Eat and Read. Eat and Read events are transformative experiences for restaurant staff, community members, and authors. Each new reader inspires a family and transforms our communities one book at a time.

With support from NEHS, Eat and Read Literacy Project was able to purchase books for our new book vending machine, which offers free children’s books to anyone in our community. Every child that enters Melba’s is able to get a free book from the vending machine. With support from NEHS, Eat and Read has purchased 500 books to give to children for free.

In the short term, the Eat and Read vending machine provides books for children and their families to enjoy. A study from Ohio State University found that children who are read to five times daily will hear nearly 1.5 million words by the time they turn 5—boosting their language development and setting a strong foundation for school success. In the long term, Eat and Read is helping to cultivate a love of reading in communities that are often neglected by the educational system and publishing industry. Eat and Read events provide access to books, authors, and information for members of our community who may not otherwise have access to a book event in a more traditional location like a college campus or bookstore. Eat and Read programs take place within the familiarity of a community restaurant where people already gather.

Funding from NEHS not only resulted in tangible community impact by putting books in the hands of children and community members, but also helped demonstrate external support for our mission and inspire other foundations to support Eat and Read to expand and grow.

Jane Wolfe is the Director of Melba’s and its Eat and Read Literacy Project. She works to create a culture of literacy in the restaurant industry by hosting author events and putting books in the hands of people. Readers in her community are able to engage with the transformative ideas of our generation as professors and thought leaders bring their research and artistry from the ivory tower to the community kitchen. Her program seeks to inspire a love of reading in communities neglected by the publishing industry and educational systems.

National English Honor Society

The National English Honor Society (NEHS), founded and sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, is the only international organization exclusively for secondary students and faculty who, in the field of English, merit special note for past and current accomplishments. Individual secondary schools are invited to petition for a local chapter, through which individuals may be inducted into Society membership. Immediate benefits of affiliation include academic recognition, scholarship and award eligibility, and opportunities for networking with others who share enthusiasm for, and accomplishment in, the language arts.

America’s first honor society was founded in 1776, but high school students didn’t have access to such organizations for another 150 years. Since then, high school honor societies have been developed in leadership, drama, journalism, French, Spanish, mathematics, the sciences, and in various other fields, but not in English. In 2005, National English Honor Society launched and has been growing steadily since, becoming one of the largest academic societies for secondary schools.

As Joyce Carol Oates writes, “This is the time for which we have been waiting.” Or perhaps it was Shakespeare: “Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer . . .” we celebrate English studies through NEHS.

National English Honor Society accepts submissions to our blog, NEHS Museletter, from all membership categories (students, Advisors, and alumni). If you are interested in submitting a blog, please read the Suggested Guidelines on our website. Email any questions and all submissions to: submit@nehsmuseletter.us.

These champions are students whose exceptional work has impressed our evaluation team and the NEHS Advisory Council. This year’s champions have produced remarkable pieces, including poetry inspired by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón’s The Hurting Kind, contemporary interpretations of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and compelling short documentary films highlighting literacy projects in student members’ communities.

We have been moved, enthralled, and inspired by the creativity and talent of our students.

Read on to learn more about the 2023-2024 Creative Challenge Champions and their amazing work.

Creative Challenge Champions

Aquiba Serfati
Winter Creative Challenge Winners: Script Writing
Lions of Literature Chapter
Scheck Hillel Community School, FL

Aquiba Serfati is an eleventh-grade student at Scheck Hillel Community School in Miami, FL. Ever since he was young, Aquiba has always used writing as his way to express his thoughts and sentiments, whether writing a simple response on how kicking a seamlessly meaningless ball up and down a grass rectangle made him feel complete or composing a complex text discussing his reflections on building his dream business. Regardless of the cause, Aquiba has always related to the joy of pressing a computer key by key and being rewarded with the precious gift of a unique story that can represent a million ideas and can never be replicated.

Read: “Aquiba’s Script“

Amelia Tharp
Winter Creative Challenge Winners: Script Writing
Alan Gratza Chapter
Webb School of Knoxville, TN

Amelia Tharp is a junior at the Webb School of Knoxville. As an East Tennessee native, she has grown up surrounded by beauty in nature. It is from this that she draws much of her inspiration when writing. Her love of storytelling can be traced back to her childhood, when she would tell her younger brother nightly stories to help him fall asleep. Over time, those tales matured into written poetry, short stories, and scripts. Her passion only grew after she switched to the Webb School as a sophomore. Amelia strives to write about the world around her—twisting her emotions and experiences into pieces of creative language, and then sharing them with her community to inspire others and spark change.

Read: “Countless Burdens“

Nathan Martin
Fall Creative Challenge Winners: Poetry Writing and Performance
UMS-Wright Preparatory School Chapter
UMS-Wright Preparatory School, AL

Nathan Martin is a Senior at UMS-Wright Preparatory School, in Alabama, and first year member of NEHS. He is an aspiring poet and novelist and likes to write about the little bits of ourselves that make us human. Among his inspirations are Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson, Neil Gaiman, Lewis Carroll, and James Joyce. In his free time, he can be found playing jazz, pouring over a new book, or enjoying a cup of tea.

Read: “Elegy Penned on the Shore of the Lethe”
Watch: Nathan’s Performance

John Wozniak
Spring Creative Challenge Winners: Documentary Filmmaking
Phi Alpha Zeta Chapter
Allen D. Nease High School, FL

John Wozniak, a student at Allen D. Nease High School in St. Augustine, FL, brings his passion for literature and filmmaking together in a fascinating documentary. His storytelling illuminates the significance of literacy initiatives within the community. Through his work, John not only showcases the power of literacy but also initiates actionable change, illustrating the profound influence of storytelling on shaping perceptions and fostering progress within Nease High School and the surrounding communities.

Read: “Enlightened Minds: Empowering Literacy at Nease High School“
Watch: John’s Documentary

Maryana Olhovsky
Fall Creative Challenge Winners: Poetry Writing and Performance
Wilde Chapter
Allentown High School, NJ

Maryana Olhovsky attends Allentown High School in Allentown, NJ.  She is a member of the National English, Math, and Spanish honors societies. She is a 3-year varsity athlete in Girls Basketball. She works at LOFT Outlet after school and, in the summer, works as a lifeguard. She loves to be creative in her free time. Whether it be doodling, painting, or designing on the computer, she likes to express herself through the use of art. One day, she aspires to become a graphic designer in NYC. She also enjoys singing with her church choir and in a youth choir with her friends. English has always come naturally to her, and she always enjoys a good writing/art challenge.

Read: “I Don’t Get It“
Watch: Maryana’s Performance 

Itzel Tak Hambleton
Fall Creative Challenge Winners: Poetry Writing and Performance
PrepaTec Eugenio Garza Lagüera Chapter
PrepaTec Eugenio Garza Lagüera, Mexico

Itzel Tak Hambleton is from Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. She is currently a junior in high school, studying at PrepaTec Eugenio Garza Lagüera, and one of her proudest achievements is having won her middle school’s Mother’s Day Poem contest, winning a small digital tablet for her mom. Since she was a little kid, she has always had an enormous passion for anything art related. Whether it was dancing, singing, writing poetry, or acting, art has had a very significant impact throughout her life. She believes that NEHS is an exciting opportunity for her to share her passions for writing and performance with the world and to keep improving, not only academically but individually as well.

Read: “Love is Pain“
Watch: Itzel’s Performance

Tara Dorji Ritsma and Nora Kadiatou Diarrassouba
Spring Creative Challenge Winners: Documentary Filmmaking
Soma Silverbacks Chapter
International School of Kigali, Rwanda

Tara Dorji Ritsma and Nora Kadiatou Diarrassouba are currently students at the International School of Kigali, in Rwanda. Their film focuses on Patchwork Second-Hand Books, which leads a meaningful project to increase book availability in the capital. We hope to inspire our local community to the fact that all changes can be significant and that it does not take much to start to address an overwhelming task, such as increasing Rwanda’s literacy rate.

Read: “Pages of Hope: Empowering Communities through Literacy“
Watch: Tara’s & Nora’s Documentary

Ashley Hernandez
Winter Creative Challenge Winners: Script Writing
Jose Marti STEM Academy NEHS Chapter
Jose Marti STEM Academy, NJ

Ashley Hernandez is a junior at Jose Marti STEM Academy located in Union City, NJ. Her love of literature began when she was in sixth grade and her teacher announced that their class would be reading Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Despite never truly understanding the appeal of books prior, Ashley was immediately drawn to the way Rick Riordan managed to immerse readers in his storytelling and create an exhilarating, vibrant adventure through words. From then on, she aspired to be able to produce her own works that would leave the same lasting impact on others.

Read: Ashley’s Script

Alonzo Bacco Salinas, Manuel Alejandro Martínez Morales, Frida Victoria Navarro Sánchez, Arturo Guerrero Solórzano, Dayra Montalvo, and Andrea Isabel Morales Valdez
Spring Creative Challenge Winners: Documentary Filmmaking
PrepaTec Eugenio Garza Sada Chapter
PrepaTec Eugenio Garza Sada, Mexico

Alonzo Bacco Salinas, Manuel Alejandro Martínez Morales, Frida Victoria Navarro Sánchez, Arturo Guerrero Solórzano, Dayra Montalvo, and Andrea Isabel Morales Valdez reside in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. Currently, they are high school students at PrepaTec Eugenio Garza Sada. In Why Hate Reading When You Can Love It? they take us on a personal journey from a disdain for reading to a newfound appreciation. This was catalyzed by an unexpected encounter with a book fair in northern Mexico. The documentary focuses on the systemic issues surrounding literacy in Mexico, where reading is often perceived as an obligation rather than a source of entertainment.

Read: “Why Hate Reading When You Can Love It?“
Watch: Documentary

Raquel Jaramillo Palacio was born on July 13, 1963, in New York, NY.  Constantly surrounded by books and other short stories, Palacio’s love for literature began early, in fact, she always told her parents that one day she would be a writer. Palacio graduated from the Manhattan School of Art and Design in 1981, where she struggled to decide whether she wanted to pursue a career in illustration or writing. So she took a position at The New York Times Book Review and The Village Voice to pursue both interests. After this, Palacio went on to Henry Holt where she worked as a creative director for 17 years. Palacio has now gone on to write many books and stories, including White Bird and Pony, where she opted to write under the pseudonym R. J. Palacio.

Throughout Palacio’s career, she has written many outstanding novels. Among those is Wonder. Wonder follows the story of August, a ten-year-old boy with facial deformities who attends public school for the first time. In interviews following the publication of Wonder, many have wondered what Palacio’s reason was for wanting to create a story like this. In response to these questions, she told reporters that her motivation to write Wonder was based on a real-life encounter with her own kids. She recalls a time when she took her sons to get ice cream and they sat next to a little girl who had a facial deformity. In response, her 3-year-old son began to cry and Palacio fled not wanting to embarrass her family or the little girl. She often has admitted in interviews “I was really angry at myself for the way I had responded” (Palacio). She elaborates, “What I should have done is simply turned to the little girl and started up a conversation and shown my kids that there was nothing to be afraid of. But instead what I ended up doing was leaving the scene so quickly that I missed that opportunity to turn the situation into a great teaching moment for my kid. And that got me thinking a lot about what it must be like to have to face a world every day that doesn’t know how to face you back” (Palacio).

Alongside the public support she gained from her illustration and writing, Palacio won the Christopher Award for her novel Wonder in 2013 and the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award in 2014. Wonder was also given multiple astounding awards such as being on the New York Times Best Seller list, being on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, a winner of the 2014 Maine Student Book Award, Vermont’s Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award, the 2015 Mark Twain Award, Hawaii’s 2015 Nene Award, the 2015 Young Hoosier Book Award, the Junior Young Reader’s Choice Award in 2015, and in Illinois, it won both the Bluestem and Caudill Awards in 2014.

Palacio hasn’t just stopped at illustration and writing, she has also gone on multiple school visits to talk to children about her impactful book that dives headfirst into hard topics, opening children’s minds to the world around them. Palacio currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and two children.

Ishbel Mitchell will be a senior at The Woodlands College Park High School, in The Woodlands, TX, and will be going into her third year of being a member of the National English Honor Society. Ishbel was President during her junior year, and was re-elected to continue into her senior year, and she hopes to influence her peers in a positive way. Ishbel enjoys reading books and hopes to inspire other people to enjoy reading as well. While maintaining the balance of being President, Ishbel also takes rigorous college level classes, and participates in her school’s marching band, where she is a section leader. Ishbel also participates in volunteering in the community through the National Charity League. 

Seb Woodhead is a rising Senior at The Woodlands College Park High School in The Woodlands, TX. Starting his sophomore year, Seb has been a dedicated member of his National English Honor Society (NEHS) chapter. Demonstrating his leadership skills and commitment, he was elected to an officer position for both his Junior and Senior years. Seb enjoys participating in and coordinating community service projects for his chapter. In addition to his involvement with NEHS, Seb challenges himself academically by taking numerous college-level courses through both Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit programs offered at his high school.

Ella Lothringer is a third year member of the National English Honor Society and will be a senior at The Woodlands College Park High School in The Woodlands, TX. Ella has been an active member of The National English Honor Society and was elected as NEHS Secretary her junior and senior year. Ella enjoys helping others foster their love of reading and believes that by being part of this esteemed Honor Society more people can learn to love literature. Outside of National English Honor Society, Ella participates in multiple Advanced Placement and Dual Credit classes, plays snare drum in the high school marching band, is Captain of her percussion section, and volunteers in the county animal shelter.

Elizabeth Dillard is a rising senior from The Woodlands College Park High School in The Woodlands, TX, and a third year member of the National English Honor Society. Elizabeth has been elected for Historian both her junior and senior years. Elizabeth enjoys spreading her love for literature by documenting and highlighting the successes of her school’s NEHS chapter. Outside of the National English Honor Society, Elizabeth participates in many Advanced Placement and Dual Credit classes, participates in her school’s clinical program, is one of four Drum Majors in the band, and is a dedicated flute player during concert season.

Jacob Carlin, from The Woodlands, TX, is a rising senior in his third year with the National English Honor Society. Serving as Treasurer for both his junior and senior years, Jacob leads the society’s fundraising efforts and community outreach. Outside the classroom, he is the president of his school’s DECA chapter, plays the snare drum in the marching band, and partakes in various community service projects to give back and make a difference. Jacob’s diverse interests and dedication to his roles exemplify his well-rounded character and drive to contribute positively to NEHS.

National English Honor Society

The National English Honor Society (NEHS), founded and sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, is the only international organization exclusively for secondary students and faculty who, in the field of English, merit special note for past and current accomplishments. Individual secondary schools are invited to petition for a local chapter, through which individuals may be inducted into Society membership. Immediate benefits of affiliation include academic recognition, scholarship and award eligibility, and opportunities for networking with others who share enthusiasm for, and accomplishment in, the language arts.

America’s first honor society was founded in 1776, but high school students didn’t have access to such organizations for another 150 years. Since then, high school honor societies have been developed in leadership, drama, journalism, French, Spanish, mathematics, the sciences, and in various other fields, but not in English. In 2005, National English Honor Society launched and has been growing steadily since, becoming one of the largest academic societies for secondary schools.

As Joyce Carol Oates writes, “This is the time for which we have been waiting.” Or perhaps it was Shakespeare: “Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer . . .” we celebrate English studies through NEHS.

National English Honor Society accepts submissions to our blog, NEHS Museletter, from all membership categories (students, Advisors, and alumni). If you are interested in submitting a blog, please read the Suggested Guidelines on our website. Email any questions and all submissions to: submit@nehsmuseletter.us.

We are thrilled to announce that all winners, listed below, will receive financial awards. Additionally, the 1st place winners have the incredible opportunity to participate in a prestigious summer internship at the Harvard Crimson.

Read on to see our wonderful winning articles and publications, and look out for more about the 2024-2025 NEHS-Harvard Crimson Student Journalism Award soon!

Student Publication Award

1st place: The Blueprint, Hagerty High School, FL

Read: The Blueprint

Paul J. Hagerty High School, located in Oviedo, FL, is part of Seminole County Public Schools and opened in 2005. Its newspaper, The Blueprint, has been active since the school’s inception. The Hagerty Journalism program is a student-run organization dedicated to producing insightful and credible articles with multimedia elements. The Blueprint publishes six issues annually, covering news, opinions, features, and sports. It is recognized as one of the best student publications at both state and national levels, receiving numerous awards, including the Florida Scholastic Press Association’s “Best of the Best” and “Sunshine Standout” awards. It has been a National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker Finalist for the online website for 15 years and won a Pacemaker in 2024. The Columbia Scholastic Press Association has awarded The Blueprint a Silver Crown in the Hybrid News category since 2020.

Editorial Board:

Kailey Calvo is a junior at Hagerty High School in Oviedo, FL. She has been a member of the Hagerty chapter of NEHS since her induction one year ago. This is her second year on the newspaper staff and she serves as the print editor for The Blueprint. She is acting secretary of Rho Kappa, treasurer of Girl Up, and president of Quill and Scroll. In addition to being heavily involved in her community, Kailey enjoys traveling, reading, and attending concerts. She is also very passionate about reading, and one of her favorite books is Daisy Jones & The Six.

Nadia Knoblauch is a senior at Hagerty High School in Oviedo, FL and part of the Hagerty chapter of NEHS. This is her third year on staff of the school newspaper. Nadia has strong passions for journalism and activism, serving as the Vice Chair of Communications for the Florida Scholastic Press Association and Florida Coalition Leader for the United Nations’ Girl Up Initiative. She was named FSPA’s Emerging Young Journalist in 2022 and hopes to study Political Science and Journalism in college.

Greta Carrasco is a junior at Hagerty High School, and this is her third year on staff. She was born in Mexico and is fluent in both English and Spanish. Her favorite types of stories are opinions, and she enjoys writing about topics she’s passionate about.

Ava West is a senior at Hagerty High School, and this is her third year on staff. Ava loves to write and is very passionate about journalism. She also does weightlifting and plays varsity lacrosse.

2nd place: The Network, Marian High School, NE

Read: The Network

This publication, Marian’s Network newspaper, is a monthly print newspaper written by students of Nebraska’s only Class A all-girls school. It is our goal to provide an accurate and informative news source for the student community. The 2023-2024 school year is the 68th edition of The Network, upholding decades of journalistic integrity and an enthusiasm for publication. The most recent March edition won a 10th place in the National Best of Show Competition at the JEA/NSPA National Spring High School Journalism Convention. Three members of this staff are leaders in the school’s NEHS Marcella Chapter.

Editorial Board:

Martha Engel is the managing editor of The Network and member of Marian High School’s NEHS Marcella Chapter. She’s extremely dedicated and passionate about everything she does. She participates in the Marian musicals and plays, ballet, and is a core team member of FIAT. She absolutely loves to read, specifically mysteries and historical fiction, and her favorite library in Omaha is the A.V. Sorensen branch. On staff, her dedication to the publication shines and she is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet! She’s always there when you need help with someone, and is always ready with a smile. She plans to major in history and literature at the University of Notre Dame next year.

Maya Zier is the sports editor and manages page 13 for Marian High School’s Network newspaper. As part of Marian’s Marcella NEHS chapter, Maya harbors a love of all things reading, and her favorite bookstore is The Bookworm. When Maya isn’t working hard on her page, she loves to eat Mootz pizza, be a full time Harry Styles fan, scoop ice cream at Countryside Cones and spend time with her friends, family, and dogs. Maya is a dedicated member of the Marian Varsity Bowling team, Varsity Tennis, and campus ministry. All who know Maya know her as a kind and bubbly person who brings community and fun to everything she does!

Madison Shaffar is a dedicated graphic editor of Marian’s Network and Burn literary magazine. Also part of Marian’s Marcella NEHS chapter, she plans on majoring in Journalism at the University of Kansas next year. She loves realistic fiction and her favorite book of all time is the Perks of Being a Wallflower. Outside of school, you can find Madi working at HOTWORX, going to concerts, watching New Girl, and spending time with her two dogs (Ivy and Wrigley), friends, and family.

3rd place: The Verdict, Justice High School, VA

Read: The Verdict

The Verdict is a student run newspaper at Justice High School. It started out as The Raiders Digest and the name changed in 2019 following the name change for the school. Originally Justice High School was named Jeb Stuart, who was a confederate general. The process to change the name of the school was no easy feat as it took 5 years to accomplish. The purpose of The Verdict is to deliver informative, entertaining, and engaging content for the Justice High School community. At The Verdict there is no tolerance for discrimination or hate within staff members or the content produced. The content is decided by a committee consisting of the editorial staff, Advisor, and is reviewed by the school’s administration team.

Editorial Board:

Yohannan Gugsa is the editor in chief of The Verdict. She is one of the contributing founders of the journalism club with the position of Secretary. She is a junior in her third year of journalism. She has a deep passion for writing and investigative journalism. She describes that the best part of this class is the sense of community there is. She enjoys how journalism allows her to meet new people and find new stories.

Tess Maloney is a junior in her second year writing for The Verdict, growing from a staff writer to the managing editor. She has a strong interest in historical literature and opinion-based journalism. Her favorite part of working on the paper is collaborating with other members and revising works for final print. Additionally, Tess is one of the contributing founders and treasurer of the Journalism Club at Justice. Beyond her time spent toward schoolwork, she loves to read. Her favorite book is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.

Isra Yousif is a junior in her second year of writing for The Verdict. She enjoys reading, writing, and listening to music. Isra is typically described as hardworking. Her favorite story she has written in the past is “Sports in Ramadan” a short article about the struggle and reward Muslim students get from fasting while participating in spring sports. Isra is also the business manager and is the vice president and one of four founders of the Journalism club. Some fun facts about Isra are that her favorite music artist is Frank Ocean and her favorite book is The Summer I turned Pretty by Jenny Han.

Ibrahim Dawoud is a sophomore social media manager who joined The Verdict with the determination of being heard and making a difference in his community. Ibrahim enjoys spending time with friends, writing, listening to music, watching movies, football and playing video games. He also enjoys cooking and wants to pursue a career in culinary arts. Ibrahim’s goal in The Verdict is having the struggles of being a black student heard. He also hopes to take steps to make a difference in his environment and learning for his current class and many generations to come. Ibrahim plans to write about social, local, and world problems and is also putting local businesses and resources in the spotlight for his fellow classmates.

Blue Linden is a student journalist and developer with three years of experience, starting in seventh grade. She began in broadcast journalism before moving to web journalism in eighth grade. Her programming experience spans a few fields, with about four years of Linux server administration and two years of web development under her metaphorical belt. That’s why she works on the website. She loves how journalism pushes her out of her bubble.

Student Article Award

1st place: “Surveillance with SmartPass,” Cassandra Pelosi, North Salem High School, NY

Read: “Surveillance with SmartPass”

Cassandra Pelosi, a senior editor and NEHS Fitzgerald Chapter member, first became aware of Tiger Times as a reader in eighth grade. She now has what she considers “the privilege” to write about the sports teams she plays on and the school events in which she participates, and finds it rewarding to look back to the articles she wrote freshman year compared to her work as a senior. Cassandra plans to major in political science and minor in English in college, as well as join the student newspaper. Outside of school, Cassandra loves trying new restaurants and coffee shops, as well as running and playing sports.

Cassandra writes for the Tiger Times, which has been the official student newspaper for North Salem High School in North Salem, New York for over 20 years. All students in grades 9-12 are welcome to participate as writers, while editing positions are annually reserved for select seniors. The paper covers local news, culture, athletics, and the arts, as well as offering opportunities for students to express opinions on international, national, and local issues on its editorial page.

2nd place: “Protecting the 305: The fight for Cultural Diversity in Miami,” Sofia Barrera, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, FL

Read: “Protecting the 305: The Fight for Cultural Diversity in Miami”

Sofia Barrera is an eleventh grade student in Miami, FL. As an active member of the National English Honor Society chapter named after her high school, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Sofia currently leads a team of members in collaboration with a local nonprofit organization to encourage accessible literary education in her community. She has developed a journalistic presence at her school by becoming the first opinion editor of The Beat. In her free time, Sofia enjoys reading classic literature; her favorite book is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

Sofia writes for The Beat, an all-girls, student-run publication at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Miami, FL, that seeks to educate, inspire, and amplify the voices of the academic community. This student newspaper seeks to function as a forum for free discourse that encapsulates all forms of journalism: news, entertainment, opinion, and more. Each member and editor of the newspaper commits themselves to ethical journalistic principles in a scholastic environment that empowers their community.

3rd place: “Blurring the lines: Christianity’s role in American Politics,” Riya Pharsiyawar, Danbury High School, CT

Read: “Blurring the lines: Christianity’s role in American politics”

Riya Pharsiyawar, a junior at Danbury High School in Danbury, CT, is a lover of all words. From English to her native Kannada to Hindi to her newest love, Spanish, Riya has a deep interest in languages and writing. She is currently the treasurer of her chapter of the National English Honor Society and enjoys spending time at her outreach program with a local elementary school where she shares her love of English with young children. Riya hopes to pursue a career in international relations where she’ll continue learning languages and traveling the world.

Riya writes for The Hatters’ Herald, named for the unique Danbury High School mascot, the Hatter. This publication was initially a print newspaper but has since shifted to an entirely digital platform, hattersherald.com. Danbury High School’s Journalism I and Journalism II students are in charge of writing, editing, and marketing the articles published on the page. The Hatters’ Herald publishes articles on a multitude of topics, from features on Cillian Murphy to deep dives into the war in Gaza to “Soundcheck,” a music-lover’s favorite column. The publication is currently supervised by Ms. Stankiewicz, the Journalism teacher at the school.

National English Honor Society

The National English Honor Society (NEHS), founded and sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, is the only international organization exclusively for secondary students and faculty who, in the field of English, merit special note for past and current accomplishments. Individual secondary schools are invited to petition for a local chapter, through which individuals may be inducted into Society membership. Immediate benefits of affiliation include academic recognition, scholarship and award eligibility, and opportunities for networking with others who share enthusiasm for, and accomplishment in, the language arts.

America’s first honor society was founded in 1776, but high school students didn’t have access to such organizations for another 150 years. Since then, high school honor societies have been developed in leadership, drama, journalism, French, Spanish, mathematics, the sciences, and in various other fields, but not in English. In 2005, National English Honor Society launched and has been growing steadily since, becoming one of the largest academic societies for secondary schools.

As Joyce Carol Oates writes, “This is the time for which we have been waiting.” Or perhaps it was Shakespeare: “Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer . . .” we celebrate English studies through NEHS.

National English Honor Society accepts submissions to our blog, NEHS Museletter, from all membership categories (students, Advisors, and alumni). If you are interested in submitting a blog, please read the Suggested Guidelines on our website. Email any questions and all submissions to: submit@nehsmuseletter.us.

The NEHS evaluation team was happy to receive submissions for the Spring Creative Challenge: Documentary Filmmaking from all over the world and had a very difficult time selecting the three winners. After lots of debate and discussion, we were happy to name films from PrepaTec Eugenio Garza Sada in Mexico, the International School of Kigali in Rwanda, and Allen D. Nease High School in Florida, USA, as the winners. Evaluators of all three films were impressed with the compelling nature of each, the quality of production, and the positive messages that are shared.

Why Hate Reading When You Can Love It?

Alonzo Bacco Salinas, a junior at PrepaTec Eugenio Garza Sada, Monterrey, Mexico, serves as Marketing Director of the NEHS chapter. He sees literature as a conduit for sharing stories and finds cinema to be the ultimate medium for emotional connection. It is his favorite form of artistic expression. He wants to be a filmmaker and live doing what he loves most: creating stories. Passionate about exploring diverse narratives, Alonzo believes in the power of both written and visual art forms to evoke profound emotions and foster empathy.

Manuel Alejandro Martínez Morales is a junior at PrepaTec Eugenio Garza Sada in Monterrey, Mexico, and is currently the Vice President of the NEHS chapter at his high school. He views literature not merely as a means for expressing oneself through a text, but also as a way of conveying emotions, unveiling new horizons, and immersing oneself within complex worlds and realities. For him, literature plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals.

Frida Victoria Navarro Sánchez lives in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. When she was little, Frida discovered the world of books and felt the joy of immersing herself in it, whether exploring  imaginative fiction or the depths of nonfiction. As she continues her educational journey at PrepaTec Eugenio Garza Sada, she remains committed to the search for knowledge, taking each opportunity to expand her horizons and contribute meaningfully to the world around her.

Arturo Guerrero Solórzano is a student at PrepaTec Eugenio Garza in Monterrey, Mexico. He is currently the Social Responsibility Director of the NEHS chapter in his high school. For him literature is a way of expressing different individual perspectives that can contribute to the construction of knowledge.

Dayra Montalvo, a student at PrepaTec Eugenio Garza in Monterrey, Mexico, has a vibrant and sociable personality, and is eager to share her endeavors with others. She actively seeks out opportunities to foster positive change in the world. Alongside this, she indulges in spreading interest in literature through diverse mediums and activities. Exploring new contexts and spearheading social initiatives are among her leisure pursuits.

Andrea Isabel Morales Valdez resides in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. Currently, she is a high school student at PrepaTec Eugenio Garza Sada.  She enjoys learning about classic authors and reading contemporary literature. Her love for fantasy books was born when she discovered the Harry Potter saga. However, her greatest passion in life is dancing.

Pages of Hope: Empowering Communities through Literacy

International School of Kigali, Rwanda

Constant effort and hard work have created an economic powerhouse in the heart of Africa, and while this is to be applauded, there are still issues to be resolved on a community level. Rwanda’s literacy rate of 75.9% has been growing steadily over the decades but is still significantly lower than its East-African neighbors of Tanzania and Uganda. This can be attributed to several different factors: one of the most significant is the limited access to affordable books throughout the capital, Kigali. This has significant impacts on the average income population, and mostly affects younger generations of children who have an increasingly difficult time acquiring literacy skills.

Our belief is that with big issues, come a collection of small-scale solutions. To spotlight this, our film focuses on Patchwork Second-Hand Books, which leads a meaningful project to increase book availability in the capital. By watching our film, we hope to inspire our local community to the fact that all changes can be significant and that it does not take much to start to address an overwhelming task, such as increasing Rwanda’s literacy rate.

To achieve a larger audience, our team will display the film at our school assembly in May, as it is Get Caught Reading Month. By doing this, we especially wish to inspire the younger grades in elementary school. In our wider community, however, we want to publish our short film on social media, in order to easily share our message with more people. Our message is important, both nationally and internationally, and thus we hope to be able to share our film with NEHS chapters all over the world so that they can be inspired to tackle a large-scale issue through small-scale solutions. Every book in every bookstore contains pages of hope.

Tara Dorji Ritsma is from Bhutan and the Netherlands. She is currently in 10th grade and the President of the National English Honor Society chapter at the International School of Kigali, Rwanda. She has always had a strong love for reading, starting from a really young age when her parents read to her before she slept. Ever since then, she has continued to explore different genres and expand her passion for reading and even writing! Making this documentary was a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on her country of residence, and she is looking forward to seeing the impact of her hard work!

Nora Kadiatou Diarrassouba is from Germany and has roots in the Ivory Coast as well as South Korea. She is currently a sophomore in high school, and the Public Relations Chair and the Activities Chair of the National English Honor Society chapter at the International School Kigali, in Rwanda. She has developed a passion for reading because her parents read out loud to her every night. Reading is something that connects her with her friends and family. She associates reading with happiness but also with resolving and explaining conflict. In her opinion, the exchange of literacy is an opportunity to grow, understand, and bring down barriers.

Enlightened Minds: Empowering Literacy at Nease High School

Allen D. Nease High School, Florida

This documentary film is a call to action as much as it is a story. We are dedicated to starting a social media platform to extend the Nease literacy program.

Our primary reason for creating this documentary was to increase the number of advocates for the program and show widespread passion for literacy. By working with our school’s television communication department, we aimed to promote literacy around local communities of Nease High School.

Utilizing social media platforms and digital marking strategies, we can and will share content to promote our film and spark conversations about literacy. Also, by using social media, we aim to reach diverse audiences and invite them to engage in our program.

Partnering with local schools, libraries, and local literacy organizations, we will host screenings of our documentary and create events to create conversation and collaboration within the community. These events will serve and act as platforms for discussion and action, empowering those who attend to take steps toward supporting literacy initiatives.

Additionally, by developing educational resources such as discussion guides and lesson plans, we will equip educators with the tools needed to use our film as a catalyst for classroom discussions about literacy. Through increased awareness, advocacy, and support for literacy invites, we hope to create a ripple effect of positive change within Nease High School and the surrounding communities, empowering their full potential through the power of reading and writing.

John Wozniak, an 11th-grade student at Nease High School in St. Augustine, FL, brings his passion for literature and filmmaking together in a fascinating documentary. His storytelling illuminates the significance of literacy initiatives within the community. Advocating for education’s transformative potential, John sparks inspiration, urging others to explore literacy. He brings creativity and passion to his team, striving to start impactful conversations and catalyze positive societal shifts and break societal norms. Through his work, John not only showcases the power of literacy but also initiates actionable change, illustrating the profound influence of storytelling on shaping perceptions and fostering progress within Nease High School and the surrounding communities.

The three most highly ranked motivations for joining NEHS were listed as

• the academic recognition provided by the organization,
• their interest in English and English Literature, and
• the opportunities for community service developed by individual chapters.

We were happy to see the mixture of both academic and altruistic motivations among those most highly ranked.

It was also gratifying to see that most graduating NEHS students had participated in a community service project during their time as a student member. Indeed, many students noted their community service efforts as the highlight of their time as a member.

Other highlights included:

• having more opportunities to read,
• the friendships generated among student members,
• taking part in NEHS and chapter organized competitions and contests,
• collaborating with other honor societies and student organizations, and
• being able to demonstrate their proficiency in English and their dedication to the subject.

All surveyed graduating student members confirmed that NEHS membership will have a positive effect on their future studies and careers. Student members claimed that not only will the direct academic benefits of being critical and analytical readers and writers help them in the future, but that they would also reap the benefits of being able to work as a team, communicate assertively, and study effectively.

92.4% of graduating student members will be continuing their education at university. 4.4% will be attending a two-year college and 1.8% will be taking a gap year to either travel or work. The final 1.4% of our graduating population are, as yet, unsure of their plans.

The range of public and private higher education institutions selected by our student members for their future study includes Ivy League, Public Ivy, specialist institutions, and Land Grant universities across the nation and beyond. The breadth of subjects our graduating students will be studying is immense, ranging from the liberal arts, to social and natural sciences. Even more evident than in previous years are the wonderfully varied selection of majors, minors, and double majors that our students will take.

NEHS is very proud of the student members that it counts among its graduates. We know they will all go on to achieve highly and will prove to be not only worthy future leaders in their respective fields, but also critical, inclusive, and thoughtful members of our communities.

More from NEHSXpress: July 9, 2024

Coming Soon: The New NEHS Website
Changes to NEHS Scholarship Process
Fall Enrollment & Induction Ceremony Resources
Personalized NEHS Merchandise for Chapters

The new site has been designed considering suggestions made by Chapter Advisors in the Chapter Annual Report. The new site will be easier to navigate, have less repeated information, ensure that key information is easy to access from the homepage, and will provide detailed information for both Chapter Advisors and student members.

The new user-friendly design will make finding information on computers, tablets, and cellphones easier. Clear menus aimed at specific audiences (teachers, students) will mean accessing information is quicker, too.

The new site will allow NEHS to provide even more engaging content about the projects and activities being undertaken by chapters and their members. This will include articles, photo collages, videos, audio clips, and creative work.

Even more Chapter Advisor resources will be provided on the new site. The site will provide support with enrolling students, paying student membership fees, and completing the annual affiliation fee process. The new site also provides space for even more Chapter Advisor awards, grants, and scholarships.

The annual calendar of NEHS activities will feature prominently on the homepage and will ensure that all members of the NEHS Community can see what is going on and when. Additionally, each NEHS activity will be listed alongside a PDF and PNG poster which Advisors can share with their student members either virtually or as a printed document.

Finally, the new site will also include developed community engagement features, such as the ability to quickly and easily send NEHS photos of chapter activities you would like to see featured on NEHS social media. This will allow us to showcase even more student achievements, not just those associated with winning NEHS awards, grants, and scholarships. This will give more chapters a voice.

We are working hard to ensure that the new site meets the needs of all our stakeholders and look forward to receiving your feedback when the site is launched.

More from NEHSXpress: July 9, 2024

NEHS: What Our Student Members Say . . .
Changes to NEHS Scholarship Process
Fall Enrollment & Induction Ceremony Resources
Personalized NEHS Merchandise for Chapters

Submissions related to Jesmyn Ward‘s Sing, Unburied, Sing will take place during the Fall Awards Cycle (October), while essays on Kazuo Ishiguro‘s Klara and the Sun will be submitted during the Winter Awards Cycle (December/January). Submissions in both award cycles must be made through the NEHS AwardSpring platform.

This change reflects the NEHS Advisory Council’s wish to ensure that students have more flexibility in choosing the text they want to write about and when they submit their work. Students who choose to submit two essays (one in each of the two award cycles) will contend for an NEHS Scholarship with their highest scoring essay.

Essay questions for Sing, Unburied, Sing will be made available in mid-August and questions for Klara and the Sun will be made available in early November.

If you have any questions about the changes noted above, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Christopher Lockwood, NEHS Director via email.

More from NEHSXpress: July 9, 2024

NEHS: What Our Student Members Say . . .
Coming Soon: The New NEHS Website
Fall Enrollment & Induction Ceremony Resources
Personalized NEHS Merchandise for Chapters