By Jeremy Cappello Lee

From fighting hunger in third-world countries to recognizing teacher accomplishments with colorful “turkey” feathers, Tempe Prep’s National Honor Society has already established its presence on campus in its second year.

Forest Redlin, NHS’s president, underlines that the goal of the program is to “get more people into service.” He says that the benefits of helping the community are very tangible, especially when “everyone does their part as one cohesive group.”

Redlin adds that NHS has developed a “consistent presence at Feed My Starving Children,” a non-profit that packs and distributes food to children in need. This year’s output has been impressive, with about 20 members packing an average of 220 meals per student. Within one session, for example, members prepared enough food to feed 37 children for an entire year.

Program advisor Karin Moffitt defines the activity as an opportunity “to strengthen within each member the values of service, scholarship, leadership, and character.” Reflective of this statement, students not only have performed well academically, maintaining GPAs of over 3.0, but also have had the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to their community.

Since its inaugural induction ceremony last March, NHS has tackled several new projects. Earlier in the year, students participated in the “Feathers for Food” fundraiser, to both show “appreciation to the teachers of Tempe Prep and raise funds for Feed My Starving Children,” as Mrs. Moffitt describes. Through this effort, over $200 was raised ─ enough for about 800 meals.

Also new to this school year is the Teen Court Jury service, where participants help determine constructive consequences for students, as an alternative to school suspension or prosecution. Most recently, NHS participated in the sixth grade “Buddy Breakfast,” in which each member chatted with one or two sixth-graders over an assortment of Dunkin’ Donuts. Future agenda items include a Krispy Kreme Fundraiser, as well as a pledge drive for the Public Broadcasting System.

Coupled with NHS’s enthusiastic and committed members, the addition of several successful fundraisers and service opportunities will ensure the growth of the program in years to come. To De Equitibus’ younger readers, be sure to keep those grades high as to not miss out on this opportunity!