For students at Centralia High School, earning an invitation to the National Honor Society (NHS) isn’t just a recognition of academic achievement—it’s a testament to character, leadership, and service. It’s a distinction that speaks not only to their grades but to the way they engage with their school and community.

“It’s not just about having good grades,” said NHS advisor Lori Griffin, who has spent 25 years teaching chemistry at CHS. “Students must also demonstrate leadership, integrity, and a commitment to service. Those are the pillars that define National Honor Society.”

That invitation doesn’t come easily. The process is rigorous, beginning with an initial academic screening. To be considered, CHS students must maintain a 3.895 GPA—a benchmark that reflects both the high academic standards at CHS and the rigor of the school’s weighted honors and AP courses.

Once students meet that academic threshold, they are invited to apply, but grades alone don’t guarantee selection.

“After that first screening, we send applications to eligible students,” explained Rebecca Becker, NHS co-advisor and biology teacher. “Then we evaluate their leadership, service, and character—things that go beyond the numbers on a transcript.”

Teachers weigh in with evaluations, administrators provide insight, and the final selection ensures that those chosen exemplify the values of NHS in all areas of their lives.

“We’re looking for students who don’t just succeed in the classroom, but who also give back, who lead by example,” Becker added. “They might be involved in sports, student government, church, or community service—whatever it is, they show up and take responsibility.”

Setting the Standard for Excellence

One of those students is Eli Blair, a CHS senior and the current president of NHS. For Eli, the organization is about more than just an accolade—it’s a way to connect with like-minded peers and contribute to something larger than himself.

“NHS builds community,” Eli explained. “It brings together students who really care about school and about making an impact. We do service projects together, we support each other, and we set an example for the younger students.”

That sense of leadership is something fellow NHS member Thomas Ha takes seriously. He sees NHS as a way to model what is possible for underclassmen who may one day follow in their footsteps.

“NHS sets a standard,” Thomas said. “You have expectations to follow. You represent the school, the student body—you have to be that good example for the students who are coming up behind you.”

For Deacon Snow, the impact of NHS extends beyond the school walls.

“It gives you a sense of purpose in the community,” Deacon said. “We do food drives, we handle the recycling program at CHS, and we find ways to give back. It’s not just about academics—it’s about helping people.”

These aren’t just words. The CHS NHS chapter takes its mission seriously. Each year, members organize a community-wide food drive, which goes beyond collecting donations in the school hallways.

 

Students reach out to local businesses, speak directly with community members, and coordinate with Centralia’s feeder schools to maximize the effort.

“This isn’t just a high school thing,” Griffin said. “They’re developing real-world skills—speaking to business leaders, organizing logistics, managing responsibilities. It’s leadership in action.”

The collected food is then distributed to two local organizations: Salvation Army and Centralia Community Benevolent Association (CCBA), ensuring that those in need receive support.

“It’s a lot of responsibility,” Eli admitted. “We plan it, we develop it, and we go out and do it. It’s rewarding to see the impact we can have.”

The Road to NHS: Nature or Nurture?

While academic achievement is a clear prerequisite for NHS, the motivation behind that success varies from student to student. Is it something they’re born with? Or is it shaped by environment and encouragement?

“I don’t know if it’s just me,” Deacon said, “but I always want to be the best version of myself and make the people around me proud. I don’t want to let anyone down.”

For some, that drive is instilled at home.

“My parents were always on my case about grades,” Deacon laughed. “When I was younger, I might have been annoyed by it, but now I’m grateful. My mom’s a teacher, so she always emphasized the importance of education.”

Eli echoed that sentiment.

“My parents always cared,” he said. “They checked my grades, made sure I was keeping up with my work. I’ve always had high expectations for myself, but they reinforced it.”

But while parental support is invaluable, it’s not the only factor. Many NHS students are deeply involved in extracurriculars, balancing demanding schedules that include sports, jobs, and church leadership.

Deacon plays soccer and baseball, serves as treasurer for both NHS and Student Council, and even works as a referee for youth sports in his spare time.

Thomas plays tennis, works at Subway, and is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Eli, along with being NHS president, plays soccer, leads FCA, and is heavily involved in his church.

“Our students don’t just excel academically,” Griffin said. “They are leaders in multiple areas. They have jobs, they play sports, they volunteer. And they still find time to meet the expectations of NHS.”

Beyond High School: Preparing for the Future

With graduation approaching, each of these students has a clear path ahead.

Deacon plans to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) for nursing.

Thomas will also attend SIUE, pursuing a career as an anesthesiologist assistant.

Eli wants to become a high school math teacher.

“Teaching runs in the CHS community,” Griffin noted. “It’s rewarding to see our students go on to become educators themselves.”

For these students, their time in NHS has helped them develop habits and skills that will carry into college and beyond. Their commitment to academics, leadership, and service isn’t just about high school—it’s about becoming the kind of people who make a difference wherever they go.

“We hear from community members all the time,” Griffin said. “They call us and ask if we have NHS students available to help with local events, to volunteer at fundraisers, to referee youth games. They trust them because they know they’re reliable.”

That reputation—one of integrity, responsibility, and dedication—is what NHS is all about.

“There’s a gold star brand that comes with NHS,” Becker said. “It’s not just something you add to a college application. It’s something you carry with you.”

And for these CHS students, it’s a distinction they wear with pride.