Editor’s Note: Ana Iracheta was a member of the Science National Honors Society at the time of this story’s publishing.
Whether you’re looking to stand out in a college application or simply looking to get more involved, joining a variety of Honor societies could be a great option for you! A wide range of options are available, especially here at Oswego High School, and right now is the perfect time to start on those pesky applications. Here you will be able to find all the information you need to get started. Honor Societies are open to any students that meet requirements, which may vary depending on the Honor Society. Keep in mind some Honor Societies have an application process and may include a club fee. They typically meet at least once a month and provide students with varying opportunities to earn cords they can wear during graduation.
Academics
Open to those who have excelled in core classes, these Honor Societies are a great way to recognize your academic achievements and work together with peers to use your knowledge to better the community and those around you. Application Information is typically distributed in your core classes, but if not, you can always reach out to the advisers.
National English Honor Society
For those who have acquired at least a 3.5 GPA in English courses and are looking to put skills they have learned in English class to good use, applications for this Honor Society are available at the front desk in the English Office. For additional information, you can contact Ms. Taryn Dubiel through her email: tdubiel@sd308.org
Rho Kappa Honor Society
If you have an interest in History and have found success in your classes with at least a 3.0 social studies GPA, you may want to consider applying for the National Social Studies Honor Society. Students can typically apply the spring before junior or senior year, and you can email Mr. Scott White for an application: swhite@sd308.org
Science National Honor Society
To those who wish to use their scientific knowledge to benefit the community, the Science National Honor Society is open to any junior or senior with at least a 3.5 science GPA. Application information should have been distributed by your science course teacher. For more information or for any questions about the application process, you can contact Mrs. Kayla Harper through her email: knahasharper@sd308.org
Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society
If you have taken at least four semesters of math and maintained a 4.0 GPA, you are eligible to apply if you plan to take an AP math course during your high school career. Students in this Honor Society assist in the Junior High Math contest along with many other activities. Applications typically go out first semester and are open to both juniors and seniors. You can contact Ms. Allison Abels for additional information as well as questions through her email: aabels@sd308.org
Languages
If you’ve found yourself making it through a foreign language class and are passionate about the language itself as well as the culture, here are some perfect options depending on which language you feel dedicated to:
National Chinese Honor Society
For those who have completed at least two years of Chinese with a B average in their classes, Chinese Honor Society members will be required to co-sponsor Mandarin Club, tutor fellow students, and must plan to take AP Chinese Language and Culture. The chapter adviser is Ms. Lin Liu, which you can contact for an application and additional information through her email: Iliu@sd308.org
German National Honor Society
Applications are available for students who have completed three semesters of German with a 3.6 GPA and with plans to continue in the German program. You must also complete 10 hours of German service hours and complete one activity from a designated list. For more information and to obtain an application contact the sponsor, Ms. Joanna Allen, through her email: jallen01@sd308.org
National French Honor Society
Students who meet requirements will be personally contacted and given further information about the application process. The sponsor for this activity is Ms. Jessica Kash, who you can contact through her email: jkash@sd308.org
Spanish National Honor Society
Those who have excelled in their Spanish class and have received an A average have the opportunity to apply if they are currently enrolled in a Spanish class plan to continue taking a Spanish course through graduation. For additional information, you can contact adviser Ms. Kimberly Stark through her email: kstart@sd308.org
Arts
If you found an interest in the performing or visual arts and are looking to become further involved with them, joining one of the Honor Societies below is the perfect opportunity to do just that!
National Art Honor Society
If an art teacher decides that you are eligible to apply they will recommend you and you will receive an invitation to join this Honor Society. Through this Honor Society, passionate art students will be able to further their passion for art and be recognized for their intricate work. For more information about this, you can contact Mr. Michael Skura through his email: mskura@sd308.org
Tri-M Honor Society
For high school musicians who wish to deepen their passion for music, this Honors Society is open to any musician with a 4.0 GPA in circular music classes among other requirements. Members will go through an audition process in order to become eligible members. For additional information, you can contact Mr. Kevin Schoenbach through his email: kschoenbach@sd308.org
International Thespian Society
This Theater Honor society is available for students by invitation only once students have completed various activities to be accepted into the society. For more information, you can contact Mrs. Katherine Conant through her email: kconant@sd308.org
Career Oriented
For any student who has taken career-oriented courses and found success in them, that wishes to further their involvement in those topics the following Honor Societies are recommended if eligible.
National Honor Society of Sports Medicine
For juniors or seniors who are enrolled in Introduction to Sports Medicine and Athletic Training and meet academic requirements, you can contact Mr. Brian Cronin through his email: bcronin@sd308.org
Oswego Technical Honor Society
For students who have successfully completed a series of Career and Tech courses. Students must have an overall 4.0 in the courses and are eligible to apply their senior year. For additional information, you can contact Ms. Jennifer Gordon through her email: jgordon01@sd308.org
Quill and Scroll Honor Society
This is open to all Digital Journalism or Yearbook Journalism students who have at least a 3.0 GPA and a teacher recommendation. Applications are open in March, and you can contact Ms. Sarah Hands for additional information through her email: shands@sd308.org.
Hi! My name is Ana Iracheta and I am a Junior at Oswego High School. I am very excited to start my first year as a part of 42Fifty as Social Media editor and Spanish editor. In my free time outside of school I enjoy sewing, reading, eating nerds ropes and spinning around on my aerial silk. I also love taking my dog on walks and giving him many unnecessary treats because he’s cute.
