October 30, 2018 saw the induction of 46 new members to the Super Comma chapter of the National English Honor Society. Each of these juniors and seniors have not only shown prowess throughout the many areas of English but have also shown the important qualities of leadership, tolerance, and responsibility. This year, English teachers Katie Stark and Amy Varns are the faculty advisors of Jacksonville High School’s National English Honor Society. Also in attendance were President Myka Ties, Vice Presidents Sadi Ghimire and Norah Grojean, treasurer Molly Carmody, and secretary Bethany Pohlman. Jennifer Collins, the chair of the English Department at Jacksonville High School, also made an appearance. Former assistant principal and current principal of South Elementary School, Tim Chipman, appeared as the keynote speaker for the event. His heartwarming speech was well received by staff, students, and families alike.

Advisor Katie Stark said of her involvement, “It’s my first year as a faculty advisor for National English Honor Society. I would say that our main goal is probably to provide more service opportunities to the members and to connect more with Sigma Tau Delta, which is our ‘big brother’ organization at Illinois College.”

Members of the National English Honor Society will meet about once a month, participating in many service and literary activities. The long term goal of the society is to enrich the community of not only Jacksonville High School but the community at large. New members will learn the ropes at a potluck on November 27.

New NEHS inductee Zach Large said of the event, “The NEHS inductions were well put together. All speakers performed well during the ceremony. I was happy to see Mr. Chipman there; we all miss him a lot. I’m ecstatic to be a part of the National English Honor Society at JHS.”