As sponsor Amany Bekheit took the stage, the students realized that now is the time their dedication to the field is finally recognized.
On Aug. 28, the Hagerty chapter of Science National Honor Society inducted 84 students who were carefully selected based on their outstanding performance in their science classes.
“If you are here today, you have maintained at least a 3.7 unweighted GPA and have challenged yourself with honors or higher level science classes—which is no small feat,” Bekheit said.
SNHS is an honor society focused on helping communities through service projects and providing science education. The society is sponsored by Bekheit, who teaches both AP and Honors Physics, and run by a group of five student officers.
“[SNHS] represents a community of students who share a passion for science and a commitment to excellence,” said Bekheit. “It’s a space where students can grow as leaders, collaborate with peers, and apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.”
Secretary Samika Unnithan helped oversee the ceremony and was excited to see the large turnout. With the introduction of so many new students, she sees potential to advance the society further.
“[This year,] we want to continue branching out with science and let the kids explore as many areas of science as they can,” Unnithan said.
More specifically, the society plans to collaborate with other STEM-related clubs on campus this year.
“I aim to provide members with academic enrichment opportunities, including guest speakers, study groups, and workshops,” Bekheit said.
Last year, SNHS completed a multitude of service projects, their most popular being their elementary school science fair.
“We helped the kids out and we conducted booths,” Unnithan said. “[We helped them make] little fans, like robotic fans made by connecting wires. We had another that was a huge robot that our president was [demonstrating] to the little kids.”
SNHS provides students with opportunities to explore their future in a field they excel at while also helping them stand out on college applications.
Since honor society membership indicates both dedication to improving one’s community and academic achievement, adding one to one’s college application gives them a leg-up in the admissions process.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for people even if they’re not going into the health field, [for example,] when they’re older. It looks good for colleges too,” junior Natalie Yip said.
Not only that, but the service projects also help members develop better people skills and a stronger work ethic—both of which will aid students in all walks of life, even long after graduation.
“I feel like the society will open doors for me, especially by maybe volunteering in a hospital,” Yip said. “I think it’s helpful for people to get experiences helping others.”
Overall, SNHS is excited to welcome all their new members this year so they can better serve their community through channeling their academic prowess and commitment to STEM
