Continuing its tradition of promoting academic excellence, the SHS National Honor Society (NHS) organized a series of tutoring sessions available to all students throughout this year’s midterm exam period. Advised by SHS history teachers Kristen Emerson and Andrew Roberts, NHS tutors were primarily focused on preparing students for their individual midyear exams while also introducing new study habits, organizing techniques, and quiet time to study.
Midyear exams are commonly an intimidating time for many freshmen, which is one of the reasons NHS students worked together to ensure all underclassmen had the resources they needed to excel. Each of the four exam days was followed by two hour-long tutoring sessions. For each, at least ten SHS seniors were available to help with a wide variety of subjects, including chemistry, world history, biology, and math. Emerson described these events as a “great opportunity for students to develop new skills…like essay planning or study habits.” Emerson added that the goal of NHS tutoring is to “encourage students to study” and to introduce new means of academic preparation.
This initiative was organized and conducted by NHS officers and members. Senior Treasurer Amy Thornton, a member of the leadership team, said, “There were around forty students who attended each study session.” Thornton emphasized the ongoing efforts taken by all involved in the National Honor Society – currently 97 students — to make the school community a safe and prosperous place for all academics. Thornton also shared her belief that these tutoring sessions exemplify all four of the leading NHS principles—character, scholarship, leadership, and service. Thornton also explained her belief that this tutoring opportunity “built new friendships and helped to bridge the gap” between upper and lower classmen.
NHS president James (Quinn) DeCourcey took a commanding role in the planning and execution of these efforts. Celebrating the success of the initiative, he commented, “We were able to give many students advice about test-taking strategies as well as information on crucial topics included in midterm exams.” DeCourcey emphasized the importance of a strong sense of community and bond between all students, noting, “Even though we compete against each other at pep rallies, we’re still here to support each other when underclassmen need guidance.” DeCourcey believes most NHS volunteers “genuinely enjoyed” getting to know underclassmen they hadn’t previously met.
On the final day of exams, Monday, January 27th, the final two-hour tutoring session was held, which was primarily focused on helping freshmen organize themselves prior to the beginning of the spring semester. Students cleaned out their backpacks and organized their binders, promoting a “fresh start” with their academic classes. Several freshmen students described this opportunity as “helpful” and “positive.”
SHS principal Marc Loranger outlined the important role NHS has in the school community, remarking, “NHS is a group of students who lead by example.” Loranger added, “The students show great leadership–they take the initiative.”