Societies
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West Essex High School offers 12 unique honor societies for our students with rigorous requirements and expectations. Please take a moment to browse the societies descriptions and their respective requirements for entry.
WEHS Honor Societies
- National Art Honor Society
- National English Honor Society
- National Honor Society
- National Math Honor Society - Mu Alpha Theta
- National Science Honor Society
- National Social Studies Honor Society - Rho Kappa - The Scholar Knights
- Theater Honor Society - International Thespian Society
- Tri-M Music Honor Society
- World Language Honor Societies (Chinese, French, Italian, Spanish)
National Art Honor Society
The National Art Honor Society (NAHS) recognizes students who demonstrate an outstanding ability and interest in art. This prestigious group strives to aid its members in attaining the highest standards in art scholarship, character, and service, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community. NAHS is nationally recognized by art schools, colleges, and universities. For more, contact advisor Ms. Erica Lescota.
To earn a spot in the NAHS, students must complete the following requirements:
|
Grades Accepted |
10th - 12th |
| GPA Requirements | 3.4 (non-weighted) |
| Specific Course Requirements | Completed/Enrolled in 2 Years of Art Courses |
| Service Hour Requirement | 10 Hours |
National English Honor Society
The National English Honor Society (NEHS), founded and sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, is the only national organization exclusively for high school students and faculty who, in the field of English, merit special note for past and current accomplishments. Individual high schools are invited to petition for a local chapter, through which individuals may be inducted into Society membership. Immediate benefits of affiliation will be national recognition, scholarship eligibility, and opportunities for national networking with others who share enthusiasm for, and accomplishment in, the language arts. Eventually NEHS will hold conferences and provide ways to link NEHS with other honor societies and with organizations related to the field of English. For more, contact advisors Mr. Christopher Hermosilla and Ms. Nicola Ruiz.
To earn a spot in the NEHS, students must meet the following requirements:
|
Grades Accepted |
11th - 12th |
| GPA Requirements | 3.75 (non-weighted) |
| Specific Course Requirements | B+ (grades 9 and 10 final average in English); A- in 11th grade S1 Average |
| Service Hour Requirement | 5 hours of Literary Service & 5 hours of Literary Activities |
National Honor Society
The National Honor Society, or NHS, is a nationwide organization for high school students. Selection is based on four criteria: scholarship, leadership, service , and character. The organization was established to recognize outstanding high school students in these areas. For more, contact advisor Ms. Daniella Colabelli.
National Math Honor Society - Mu Alpha Theta
Mu Alpha Theta, the National Math Honor Society, is dedicated to inspiring a keen interest in mathematics, developing strong scholarship in the subject, and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics. Students who are members of the Math Honors Society must have no history of disciplinary action. For more, please contact advisor Mrs. Ayers-Lopuzzo.
To earn a spot in the NMHS, students must meet the following requirements:
|
Grades Accepted |
11th - 12th |
| GPA Requirements | 3.75 (weighted) |
| Minimum Letter Grade Requirement |
B- in AP Math Class; B+ in Honors Math Class; A in CPA Math Class
|
| Specific Course Requirements | Must be currently enrolled in or have completed at least one AP Math Class (AP Calculus, AP Statistics, or AP Computer Science) |
| Service Hour Requirement | 2 hours (Math Community Service or Participation in Math League) |
National Science Honor Society
The purpose of the Science Honor Society shall be to encourage participation in and recognition of scientific and intellectual thought, to advance the students’ knowledge of classical and modern science, to communicate with the scientific community, to aid the civic community with its comprehension of science, and to encourage students to participate in community service and, in turn, encourage a dedication to the pursuit of scientific knowledge that benefits all mankind. For more, please contact advisor Ms. Elena Ameres.
To earn a spot in the NSHS, students must meet the following requirements:
|
Grades Accepted |
11th - 12th |
| GPA Requirements | 3.75 (weighted) |
| Minimum Letter Grade Requirements | B- in AP Science Class; B+ in Honors Science Class; A in CPA Science Class |
| Specific Course Requirements | Student has completed or is currently enrolled in one AP Science class |
| Service Hour Requirement | A minimum of 2 hours of community service during the 1st semester of the current, ongoing school year. Must be signed off on by the adult in charge. |
| Additional Requirements | Attendance at "Makers Day" (or other equivalent event TBD) - a community held event held at WEMS to explore STEM activities. Attendance at a minimum of 80% of scheduled meetings. |
National Social Studies Honor Society - Rho Kappa - The Scholar Knights
The application process for the Rho Kappa Scholarly Knights, or National Social Studies Honor Society, will require candidates to show participation in activities that demonstrate civic engagement in school or community and their desire and aspiration to be a member of the organization. For more, click the link below or contact advisor Mrs. Caroline Blanchard.
Click Here For More Information From Mrs. Blanchard
To earn a spot in Rho Kappa, students must meet the following requirements:
|
Grades Accepted |
11th - 12th |
| GPA Requirements | 3.75 (weighted) |
| Minimum Letter Grade Requirements | Students must have completed or be currently enrolled in at least one Social Studies elective (beyond the World, US I and US II requirements) at any level. Electives include Genocide and Holocaust, Global Studies, Social Psychology, Constitutional Law, Modern American History, AP European History, AP Human Geography, AP Government and Politics, AP Macro, and AP Micro. The final or current grade in a Social Studies elective must be no lower than a B+ regardless of level. The final or semester 1 average, respectively, in World, US I, and US II must be no lower than an A- in the CP and/or Honors level, or a B+ at the AP level (AP US I and/or AP US II). |
| Specific Course Requirements | At least one Social Studies elective course |
| Service Hour Requirement | 10 Hours |
| Additional Requirements | Applicants must have a letter of recommendation from a current faculty member |
Theater Honor Society - International Thespian Society
The International Thespian Society (ITS) is an international organization created by the Educational Theatre Association which recognizes students who have demonstrated a commitment to the theatrical arts at their high school. This organization prides itself with fostering a deep love of theatrical performance and production creation, whether it be on stage or behind the scenes. ITS is internationally recognized by colleges and universities, with opportunities for networking, competitions, workshops, performances, and scholarships. For more information please contact advisor Mr. Michael Galioto.
To earn a spot in ITS, students must meet the following requirements:
|
Grades Accepted |
10th - 12th |
| GPA Requirements | 3.0 (non-weighted) |
| Specific Requirements |
10 points earned based on ITS Point Sheet; 5 of 10 points earned must be through participation in Masquers productions
|
| Service Hour Requirement | 10 Points (10 hours = 1 point); students should refer to ITS point sheet for service opportunities. |
Tri-M Music Honor Society
Perform. Lead. Serve.
Tri-M Music Honor Society gives student musicians opportunities to perform for their school and community. Students use their musical skills to be leaders and participate in community service. For more, please contact advisor Ms. Elise McAloon.
To earn a spot in Rho Kappa, students must meet the following requirements:
|
Grades Accepted |
10th - 12th |
| GPA Requirements | 3.0 (weighted) |
| Minimum Letter Grade Requirements |
A- or better in music ensemble class |
| Specific Course Requirements |
Orchestra CPA/H, Treble Choir CPA/H, Concert Choir CPA/H, Symphonic Winds CPA/H, or Concert Band CPA/H |
| Service Hour Requirement | 3 Hours |
| Additional Requirements | One time $40 membership dues. |
World Language Honor Societies (Chinese, French, Italian, Spanish)
全美中文荣誉学会: National Chinese Honor Society
La Société Honoraire Française
La Società Onoraria Italica
La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica: Moctezuma
Chinese
Below are the requirements for 全美中文荣誉学会: the National Chinese Honor Society. For more, please contact advisor Ms. Mu You.
To earn a spot in the CNHS, students must meet the following requirements:
|
Grades Accepted |
11th - 12th |
| GPA Requirements | 3.75 |
| Minimum Letter Grade Requirements | Achieve an average of A- in semester 1 of the current year in their World Language class and a cumulative A- in all of your high school World Language classes. |
| Specific Course Requirements |
Chinese I & II |
French
Below are the requirements for La Société Honoraire Française, the National French Honor Society. For more, please contact advisor Mrs. Heidi Monkowski.
To earn a spot in the FNHS, students must meet the following requirements:
|
Grades Accepted |
10th - 12th |
| GPA Requirements | 3.75 (weighted) |
| Minimum Letter Grade Requirements | Achieve an average of A- in semester 1 of the current year in their World Language class and a cumulative A- in all of your high school World Language classes. |
| Specific Course Requirements |
French I & II |
| Additional Requirements | Membership in French Club and/or Volunteer Tutoring |
Italian
Below are the requirements for La Società Onoraria Italica, the National Italian Honor Society. For more, please contact advisor Ms. Cristina Pivetta.
To earn a spot in the INHS, students must meet the following requirements:
|
Grades Accepted |
10th - 12th |
| GPA Requirements | 3.75 (weighted) |
| Minimum Letter Grade Requirements | Achieve an average of A- in semester 1 of the current year in their World Language class and a cumulative A- in all of your high school World Language classes. |
| Specific Course Requirements | Be at least in their third level of study in the language and have completed at least three semesters of study in the language of induction. |
| Service Hour Requirements | Attend the induction ceremony in the Spring Semester and any rehearsals set by the chapter advisors of their respective World Languages National Honor Societies, unless the advisor is notified by parents with a valid reason for nonattendance. Demonstrate that they have attended world languages club meetings and/or assisted in the organization and execution of world languages club activities and/or tutored students in the language for which they are eligible for induction in or out of school and/or participated in community service projects organized by world languages clubs. |
| Additional Requirements | If you are not a member of the Italian Club include any other relevant community service participation. If inducted, you will be responsible for joining and participating in World Language related activities and service. |
Spanish
Below are the requirements for La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica: Moctezuma, the National Spanish Honor Society. For more, please contact advisor Mr. Michael Sheehan.
To earn a spot in the SNHS, students must meet the following requirements:
|
Grades Accepted |
10th - 12th |
| GPA Requirements | 3.75 (weighted) |
| Minimum Letter Grade Requirements | Achieve an average of A- in semester 1 of the current year in their World Language class and a cumulative A- in all of your high school World Language classes. |
| Specific Course Requirements |
Spanish I, II, & III |
| Additional Requirements | Membership in Spanish Club and/or Volunteer Tutoring |