For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and efforts to improve the school and community, the. National Honor Society (NHS) awarded the Iola-Scandinavia NHS chapter the National Overall Award of Excellence. NHS is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), which also oversees the National Association of Student Councils.
Each quarter the members of the Iola-Scandinavia National Honor Society Chapter serve their community through diverse projects they run collaboratively -- two school-wide community service days that support community organizations, the elderly, local recreation areas and local non-profits; a day of service with our local assisted living home; and a multi-week campaign for raising thousands of dollars to support and recognize local veterans through Old Glory Honor Flight. Member students also establish these service habits individually through volunteering at our local Iola Car Show, serving at their local churches, cleaning up highways, maintaining snowmobile trails, stocking shelves at local food pantries, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, and so much more.
"The NHS Chapter Pillar Awards celebrate chapters that truly embody what the National Honor Society stands for—students who don't just excel academically but actively strengthen their communities," said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “The Iola-Scandinavia chapter demonstrates how powerful it can be when young leaders channel their talents toward meaningful service and positive change."
“This award belongs to every single member, past and present, who has put in the time and effort to make a difference,” said current Iola-Scandinavia NHS Chapter President Maggie Williams. “Year after year, we’ve grown stronger as a chapter, finding new ways to support our school and community. It’s the little things that add up to something bigger and this award just shows the impact and importance we can make when we all work together.”
“We are incredibly proud of our National Honor Society chapter for earning this prestigious national recognition.” District Administrator, Chris Nelson commented. “ Our NHS students demonstrate that academic excellence paired with genuine community service can create real, positive change. This award reflects the strong values that define Iola-Scandinavia Schools and our commitment to developing student leaders who make a difference."
The NHS Chapter Pillar Awards are prestigious recognitions to celebrate the outstanding achievements of NHS chapters across the country. In addition to basic requirements, the chapters must have demonstrated successful activities that exemplify one or all of the core values of NHS: scholarship, leadership, service and character.
More information about the award can be found here or by contacting Travis Bassett (bassettt@iola.k12.wi.us), Iola-Scandinavia High School NHS Advisor.