Heritage High Honor Society Students Perform Service Projects

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Just before the holiday break, members of the National Honor Society at Heritage High School participated in 50 different individual service projects exemplifying part of the school’s LEGACY objectives of Generosity and Leadership.

With intent to inspire their peers, National Honor Society students promoted their extensive commitment to community service by creating poster projects representing their efforts. These were displayed across the campus to promote volunteer service work and to show various opportunities young people have to help make a difference in their communities.

Projects were diverse and called upon each National Honor Society member to use their talents and personal interests. Projects focused on such subjects as peer tutoring, hospital volunteering, assistance in animal shelters, veteran support, and cleaning up local parks. Each student selected an individual service project that appealed to their personal interests and put their unique talents to good use.

Teresa Austin, a Heritage High School junior and Japanese-born American, chose to teach local children her Japanese language and culture at the community library. She then extended this idea to an after-school seminar, where she shared her language and culture with her high school peers.

Teresa enjoyed teaching as much as her students enjoyed learning.

"It was so rewarding to share my heritage with young people interested in Japanese
culture," said Teresa. "It was a fun learning experience for everyone involved. I also hope to have spread some international understanding!"

Kayla Chan, an HHS senior and professionally-trained Polynesian dancer, chose to serve her community by assisting in a local retirement home. She entertained the residents by performing her hypnotic style of traditional dance. Residents and employees of the facility were grateful and impressed by the fantastic show Kayla gave.

She hopes by sharing her work with the elderly, some of her peers may be inspired to do the same.

"How satisfying it was to see the huge smiles on the faces of the senior citizens," said Kayla. "I have lots of friends with many talents and hope they will want to perform with me next time. The folks loved it!"

The National Honor Society encourages students to make a difference in the world through community service.

"Through these individual service projects, our members have made a positive impact on our community with hopes to have inspired fellow students to do the same," said Courtney Ziani, Heritage High School’s National Honor Society advisor.

The National Honor Society was established in 1921 and is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. Chapter membership challenges students to develop further through active involvement in community service and honors excellence in scholarship, leadership and character. Today, almost 1 million students participate in activities of the NHS with chapters found in all 50 states and internationally.

For more information about the National Honor Society, visit www.nhs.us