The National Honor Society is an organization that recognizes and celebrates academic excellence as members must have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.3. Each year, new officers are elected by their peers, and Ashlei Anatalio-Williams, Leanna Phillips and Gruhith Yerramalli were selected as chapter leaders. Their dedication and leadership will guide NHS towards new ideas and service projects, according to new co-advisor Paul Golm.

The new co-adviser’s Golm and Sarah Newton are working to bring a new perspective to the group as Golm believes it’s important for NHS members to be engaged in their service projects and tutoring. 

“I have seen so many smiling NHS members volunteering at various events over the past few years and now I get to work behind the scenes to help all the members find space to perform that service at North and in the community,” Golm said. “Connecting them to opportunities is very rewarding to help with.”

As the new officers begin their efforts to make a positive impact, they are focused on taking the program to new heights by becoming even more actively engaged with the community. While they are still in the process of finalizing their plans, officer Ashlei Anatalio-Williams is confident that their initiatives will make a lasting difference. 

“This year we have new NHS advisors as well as a new group of officers ready to lead the chapter and try new things,” Anatalio said. “I’m not sure exactly what we’ll be planning for this year, but I’m sure it will be something meaningful and impactful.”

Leading NHS since 2014, former co-adviser Paula Staperfenne has had the privilege of inspiring students to engage in volunteer activities that not only make a positive impact on the community but also uplift the lives of others. After years of dedication, she is excited to pass the torch to Golm and Newton, who will take on the role this year.

 “You want to have students that want to volunteer and give up their time,” Staperfenne said. “I think that is a service and a chance to be a service for the community. Making it important to give back and showing it’s important to give back to the community.”

Because of this, Golm aims to make the transition as smooth as possible for NHS students. 

“I think the most different thing about this year is having two new co-advisers learning how NHS works at North,” Golm said. “We want to make it a smooth transition for our Senior members. Mrs. Staperfenne has been so kind in helping to pass the torch.”

As Golm hopes for a successful year ahead, Anatalio notes that NHS means more than just attaining a 3.3 GPA.

“My favorite part of NHS is being able to contribute to my community in a meaningful way and collaborate with people who are dedicated to service and academics like I am,” Anatalio said.