West Liberty-Salem High School’s National Honor Society (NHS) has been recognized as a recipient of the inaugural Chapter of Distinction Award, an honor celebrating the strength of the chapter, its student leadership, service, and commitment to the values of the National Honor Society.
Founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the National Honor Society was established to recognize and encourage students who demonstrate excellence in four foundational pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. More than a century later, NASSP continues to support the organization and its mission of developing student leaders who make meaningful contributions to their schools and communities. West Liberty-Salem High School Principal Dr. Greg Johnson and Middle School Principal Andy McGill are both active members of NASSP, further reflecting the district’s commitment to the leadership development and academic excellence that the organization promotes.
For West Liberty-Salem, receiving this distinction is especially meaningful because it reflects not only the accomplishments of current members, but also decades of dedication from students, advisers, and faculty members who have helped build and strengthen the chapter.
Last year’s senior leadership played an instrumental role in the work that led to the distinction, alongside former co-adviser Dee Harman and current co-adviser Surena Neer. Student officers included Co-Presidents Geneva Estep and Emery Longaberger, Vice President Ava Astorino, Secretary Breece Gullett, Treasurer Caleb Larson, Historian Emma Smith, Parliamentarian Levi Miller, and Senior Representative Dylan King.
The process of earning the distinction also provided an opportunity for the chapter to explore its history and recognize the many individuals whose contributions have shaped the organization over the years.
Co-adviser Surena Neer reflected on that process:
“Even though I teach science, I have always had an affinity for history, so I found it fascinating to explore our chapter’s history. I especially enjoyed reviewing past revisions to the Constitution as we worked to update the current version as part of the Chapter of Distinction process.
“The earliest Constitution we found dated back to the 1990s, when former business teacher Grace Leichty served as adviser. Twenty years later, former science teacher Carrie Smith and co-adviser Brandie Roberts made updates to the scholarship criteria. This honor builds on the work of all former advisers, faculty committee members and student members who have contributed to the success of the WL-S chapter of the National Honor Society.”
That tradition of leadership and service continues this school year with a newly elected group of student officers. Belle Sarver will serve as President, Claire Ling as Vice President, Haley Brockmeier as Secretary, Josiah Johnson as Treasurer, Conner Leichty as Historian, and Sophia Landon as Parliamentarian. The chapter also welcomes Annette Bragg as co-adviser alongside Neer.
Members are already putting the four pillars of NHS into action. The chapter completed its annual NHS Blood Drive on Monday, November 2, and is preparing to welcome its newest members during the annual National Honor Society Induction Ceremony on December 10.
Later this year, NHS members will also host one of West Liberty-Salem students’ favorite holiday traditions, the annual Holiday Volleyball Tournament.
Receiving the inaugural Chapter of Distinction Award is a testament to the lasting impact of an organization built on more than a century of tradition and strengthened locally by generations of dedicated students and educators. From the former advisers and members who helped establish and grow the WL-S chapter to the students carrying that legacy forward today, West Liberty-Salem’s National Honor Society continues to exemplify the values of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
Congratulations to our current and former NHS members, advisers, and faculty committee members who helped make this recognition possible!