Clinton High School’s honor students will now have the opportunity to be members of a nationally-recognized organization rather than being part of the BETA Club.

During Monday night’s board meeting, members approved switching from BETA to the National Honor Society (NHS) as the program used for recognizing students’ academic achievement.

According to Allison Brock, Clinton High School teacher and BETA advisor, the NHS is a more prestigious and nationally recognized program.

“By offering the National Honor Society, Clinton High School will be able to sell our college applying seniors to their perspective colleges with a nationally recognized a nationally respected academic honors program,” Brock explained.

The overall goal of the honor society will be academic and service oriented and a society that produces well rounded students who give back to the community.

Students in grades 10-12 who meet the requirements for membership are eligible to be invited to be a member of the National Honor Society. Like BETA Club, students must earn the required 3.75 GPA, based on the current 5.0 scale.

The NHS, Brock added, is more about developing the leadership skills of its members.

“The National Honor Society is more about leadership and helping our students become more global citizens,” she explained.

The NHS believes student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

“The club will be more dynamic, conducting two service projects per school year, as well as having students complete five hours of independent service for their communities,” Brock said.

Current BETA members are eligible for membership under the current National Honors Society rules and requirements.

Student officers will retain their current roles, as well as faculty advisors. Freshmen will not be eligible for the NHS, just as they are currently not eligible for the BETA Club. Freshmen eligibility would be based on their academic standing and a similar induction ceremony will occur and their membership made official.

Like BETA, students who are placed on academic probation for one semester if their GPA falls below the 3.75 requirement. Members not meeting the service component will also be placed on probation.

If for any reason a student is dismissed, that member may never be eligible for NHS again.

“Student who accept membership and are inducted into the chapter should be aware of the time and commitment involved with this honor,” Brock explained. “For example, there will be chapter meetings. The chapter bylaws should articulate the yearly meeting schedule and member attendance obligations. Members also must participate in chapter and individual service projects to benefit the school and community.”

Point requirements will now change to hour requirements, thus allowing students to see in real time their contributions they are making to the school and community.

“This by no means reduces their obligations as compared to BETA, it merely makes the process easier to understand and makes the rules equitable for all,” Brock added.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_NHS.jpg
Student group supplants BETA Club

By Kristy D. Carter

[email protected]

Reach Kristy D. Carter at 910-592-8137, ext. 2588. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd. Like us on Facebook.