The National English Honor Society (NEHS) at PHS brings together students who love reading and writing while giving back to the community. Through service projects, leadership opportunities, and creative outlets, NEHS helps students grow academically and personally.
At its core, NEHS is designed to recognize students’ strengths in the humanities while spreading enthusiasm for literature beyond the high school walls.
“The goal of the English Honor Society is not only to highlight students who excel in the humanities, but also to enhance the enjoyment of literary studies in both high school and elementary schools,” said NEHS advisor Mrs. Klastava.
This balance ensures that members are not only capable writers but also students who are eager to collaborate and contribute meaningfully to the group.
For student board members, NEHS offers a welcoming space where creativity and community come together.
“I joined because it was a good way to get involved with my school and with a subject that I loved,” said Jalina Raro, NEHS president. “Walking into a meeting always felt like a warm environment.”
Other members echoed this feeling, describing NEHS as an inclusive honor society that allows students with different academic interests to connect through English.
One of NEHS’s most meaningful traditions involves connecting with younger students to share the joy of reading.
“I love going to the elementary schools and seeing their faces light up when we read to them,” Raro said. “It’s just a great experience.”
Board member Katherine Inigo added that these moments remind students why they fell in love with reading in the first place, making service both impactful and personal.
Beyond service, NEHS helps members develop a healthier and more thoughtful approach to reading and writing.
“It’s taught me to have more fun with my readings and keeping and keep that curiosity in my analysis,” said Vera Nguyen, NEHS secretary.
By encouraging perspective and creativity, NEHS helps students see English as more than an assignment; it becomes a source of enjoyment and growth.
When asked what they would say to students considering NEHS, both advisors and members emphasized passion over pressure.
“Remember that it has to do a lot with how passionate you are for a subject, not necessarily just how academically inclined you are,” Mrs. Klastava said.
As NEHS continues to grow, its members hope to pass their love of reading and writing on to the next generation, proving that literature is not just something studied in the classroom, but something shared, celebrated, and kept alive through community.
