With the passing of Arlington Career Center’s National Honor Society’s induction ceremony on November 7, 2024, lots of questions have been swirling around, wondering what exactly is NHS? I met with our National Honor Society’s President, senior Lia Pigalarga-Infante, to answer these questions. 

NHS is an extracurricular that recognizes students of high academic achievement and equips them with additional opportunities where they can provide service to their community. At Arlington Career Center, Lia says, “our goal is to recognize outstanding students and encourage them to take more active roles in their communities, whether the community is local, like in your school, your city, or even farther.” 

Arlington Career Center’s chapter aims to give back to the community in ways that display the quality of students at Arlington Career Center. Lia says, “We aim to be able to give back to the community and those around us in order to thank them for all that they have done for us.” This mindset is what drives Arlington Career Center’s National Honor Society members to continue to represent the four pillars of character, a key part of NHS’s motto. 

The four pillars are scholarship, leadership, service, and character. These pillars guide members through making decisions that promote community support and service. According to Lia, “The pillars support us in the reaching of our goals, giving us reference to those standing by us and those who stood before us.” 

The National Honor Society has real world impacts on students’ community. By giving students the opportunity to see what they can do to help the people around them, it encourages students to carry those habits into their future after graduation. Additionally, it facilitates a sense of responsibility and leadership to help students develop useful skills for success. These experiences also inspire others in the community to get involved and make a positive difference.