Seniors, Bella Vansickle and Sam Watts are members of the NHS (National Honor Society) and have attended the ceremony that introduced the 2026-2027 new NHS members. The ceremony has taken place in the library at Prairie High School and starts at 8:00 PM. The NHS ceremony is where underclassmen can take on the opportunity to send an application in meeting the criteria in the selection process of becoming an NHS member.

Vansickle is this year’s class of 2026 valedictorian and is part of the NHS as president. She was inducted in NHS her sophomore year and is recognized for her academic levels and strengths that she has overcome so far. This application process takes a lot of time and effort. The insight of the background process she says is that, “You have to have a cumulative GPA 3.5 or above and then you have to show service, citizenship, kindness, and scholarships to explain how you show those things, then it gets sent to the NHS staff.”

For those that are looking into the application and are interested. Vansickle states that, “A strong candidate, you have to be on time, and know how to use your time well. Because you spend a lot of time volunteering and keeping up with your grades, I think the most important thing is just being responsible”. 

Sam Watts is the parliamentarian for the NHS and takes on the role of initiating the meetings. Watts adds onto the process that, “Mrs. Homola picks which staff are going to read these applicants essays and determine who is eligible and is going to put service above self as NHS provides or demands”.

Watts’ thoughts on those that begin the application is that, “To be a good member, you have to be really selfless, and like to be willing to put your community first”. 

Both Vansickle and Watts believe that the NHS membership application is worthwhile because it helps gain experience and further opportunities. This process allows students to take on skills that they can carry onto their future.