Across the Skagit River and into Sedro-Woolley High School, the humble home of the Cubs, students are constantly competing against their friends and themselves to be the best learners they can. The National Honors Society is implemented in various high schools worldwide, holding students accountable for their academics and pushing them to become better role models in their communities.
National Honors Society, otherwise known as NHS, is an organization first founded in 1921 by Principal Dr. Edward Rynearson. Rynearson worked at Fifth Avenue High School, Pittsburgh, and wanted to create a way to recognize the millions of hardworking students who balanced academics and athletics. Through this organization, students can be properly recognized for the effort they put into their academics and the dedication they have to their school. The society is also student-managed, teaching its members to uphold and strengthen their leadership skills.
“My responsibility is to ensure that tasks are dispersed among our officials and work with Mrs. Hindman and other staff members,” says Co-President Cadence Natoli, a two-year member of the SWHS National Honors Society chapter.
Natoli is a student enrolled in multiple AP and college courses at the high school, participates in soccer, manages the girl’s basketball team, and golfs. She aims for the Valedictorian title by the end of her high school career. She dedicates her time to the school and can be seen at sporting events, in class every day, and participating in ASB activities. Natoli is just one of many students at Sedro-Woolley High School who follows this agenda. The wide selection of advanced placement and college courses offered at the school gives all students the chance to be acknowledged for their hard work in academics.
SWHS National Honors Society advisor, Windy Hindman, has been a high school English teacher since 2013 and is widely loved by many of her students. Hindman teaches English 101, 102, 105. She prioritizes the happiness of her students and always emphasizes the importance of love and family. When given the chance, Hindman was overjoyed to snatch the opportunity for the NHS position back in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Because it was also my daughter’s senior year, and she was an NHS member, I couldn’t let one more thing be taken from her during her last year of high school,” says Hindman. “So, I said I would take on the adviser role.”
Hindman kept the society alive by piecing together an induction ceremony in the social distancing style. There’s a spot for everybody who is interested and members recommend for those considering applying not to wait and just join. There are so many student athletes who are thrilled to welcome new members. NHS has infinite opportunities to get involved inside and outside of the community to make you a better leader.
“This means NHS members impact our community through serving others such as participating in the Helping Hands Stuff the Bus food drives, Back to School Blessing as Skagit Valley Community College, Martha’s Place in Bellingham, YMCA Oasis Center supply needs drive, and supporting our school leadership in preparing for Winter Wishes are some of the ways our NHS members have served over the past five years,” Hindman says. “We encourage all members to be involved as leaders in school, athletics, clubs, community, their homes, and in their places of worship.”
A well-known student athlete, Ethan Dejong, is a great example of someone who demonstrates leadership and character no matter where he is. Dejong dominates on the basketball court and his teammates view him as a captain and role model especially for the younger players. He agrees that being part of NHS is a huge motivator to keep up with his academics and helped him discover that, “I always want to strive to be the best character I can and try to be the best person I can to those around me.”
Dejong is a leader in FCA, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and hosts the club every Sunday evening at his home. His leadership and fun creates a healthy environment for anyone looking for a safe space to share their religious views and athletic passions.
Sedro-Woolley’s National Honors Society officially holds ninety-five members after the induction ceremony this February and the number is ever growing.
If the patch for your letterman’s jacket and abundance of friends isn’t convincing enough, talk to Hindman and you’ll be part of the family by next February.