By Esther Cui

   At the Neighborhood Celebration at Kiwanis Park, TPA’s National Honor Society, NHS, was recognized with honorable mention for the Outstanding Community Group Neighborhood Award on April 6.

   The ceremony provided an opportunity for local leaders and community members to formally acknowledge and celebrate impactful groups, like the TPA NHS. Presented by Mayor Corey Woods, the award highlights the substantial contributions to the city of Tempe by our students. 

   The NHS received its award early in the event, which was attended by members including Mrs. Moffitt, incoming president Julia Hannon, next year’s NHS historian Mariah Gunnison and Borislava Panayotova, the Teen Court President for NHS. 

   This award specifically recognizes the National Honors Society’s active involvement and significant contributions in local improvement initiatives. 

   According to Borislava, the awards serve not only as a recognition of the efforts made by the students but also as a valuable exposure for the school. “It really inspires parents to see what our school is about and gain an interest in sending their kids to TPA,” she said. 

   NHS members have been pivotal in various community services. A few include volunteering at the Tempe Library, park and neighborhood cleanups, delivering cards and treats to Friendship Village and Inspirations and Tempe Assisted Living and working with organizations like Keep Tempe Beautiful. 

   Participation in the NHS not only contributes to the community but also significantly aids in the development of the students into leaders with a variety of organizational skills. Their commitment aligns with the NHS’s core objectives: Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character.