As the school year ends, National Honor Society adviser Jenny Magdal begins to select new officers. She said she looks for students who are committed to National Honor Society (NHS) when choosing officers.

Magdal said the process for choosing officers proves very selective.

“There is a ranking system where we take into account the teacher recommendations (35 percent), the interview scores (40 percent) and in years that we have more candidates we also have an election with current NHS members (25 percent). This year, we did not have enough candidates to hold elections,” Magdal said.

Magdal said NHS has officers because of the high level of work they do for the program.

“The officers do all of the main planning for the organization. Without them, we wouldn’t have a National Honor Society at our school,” Magdal said.

Junior and president Ryan Gemilere said felt excited when he learned of his officer position.

“I was and still am very honored and humbled to be president for NHS. I can’t wait for this year to come and the opportunity for me and my fellow officers to lead our fellow students toward such a worthy goal,” Gemilere said.

Gemilere said he wanted an officer position because of his love for leading and helping others.

“I wanted to be president for NHS because I’m always looking for opportunities to serve others,” Gemilere said. “I believe in a policy known as servant leadership. Servant leadership is leading others for the purpose of empowering them. I am always also looking for opportunities to expand my own leadership potential. I saw being NHS president as an opportunity for both.”

Gemilere said he plans to encourage NHS members and emphasized the program’s five pillars.

“My plan for next year is to encourage more active membership among NHS members that will remain flexible with their schedules. I plan to make NHS a more active organization in the student body through service opportunities centered around our school,” Gemilere said. “I plan to instill a strong legacy of service to others and leadership backed by the four pillars of NHS which are leadership, scholarship, service and character.”

Junior and NHS vice president Ronen Pink said he felt being an officer is a way for him to assist others

“I wanted to help people find what they are passionate about and help the smartest people in the school give back to the community and realize this world doesn’t just revolve around school,” Pink said. “Even kids our age could really affect the world just by doing simple things like helping others.”

Pink said he plans for next year’s upperclassmen to guide lowerclassmen.

“This year’s officers tried to make groups with juniors and seniors, so I want to continue that type of groups so the seniors can help teach and influence the juniors,” Pink said.  “Also, I want to have the NHS kids work with freshmen to help them get involved in volunteer work and academics. It’s one thing hearing from a teacher or parent and another from a fellow student.“

Junior and NHS Secretary Kirby Goodman said being a part of NHS as a junior inspired her to be an officer.

“I wanted to be an officer because I’ve really enjoyed participating in NHS this year and I have a lot of ideas that I think I can make it stronger and more meaningful,” Goodman said.

Goodman said her fears for next year surround the interest of members to be a part of NHS.

“I think my main concern is that members will not be as enthusiastic and passionate about embodying the pillars of NHS as the group of officers is. Officers are only five of the over 100 members, so without their enthusiasm, we can’t be as successful,” Goodman said.

Junior and Historian Angelica Sirotin said she feels ready to be successful as a leader in NHS.

“I know I can make an impact because I have an iron work ethic, a will to make things work, organization skills and optimism, as well as many leadership qualities that I think will flourish in my leadership position,” Sirotin said.

Sirotin said she wants to build a good group of members in NHS, allowing the organization to continue to succeed.

“My plans for next year are to create a more engaging and meaningful environment for members and to continue the high standard and success of NHS at school. I want everyone to get the most out of their NHS experience,” Sirotin said.

Junior and Public of Relations Sophie Skinner said her plans for next year is to talk about Remind 101 and Instagram.

“Next year, I’m aiming to facilitate a better way to communicate with NHS students through social media,” Skinner said. “A combination of these (social media sources) will help the students stay informed about group projects, individual service opportunities and keep track of upcoming meetings.”

Skinner said her goal for next year is to have a strong connection with her members in NHS.

“I’m hoping to have an amazing year in NHS. I feel like the new group of officers has a great dynamic — being able to build off ideas and discuss important matters,”  Skinner said. “I’m aiming for us all to keep building on that relationship and make NHS an even more prosperous organization next year.”