An Introduction to River Dell’s Honor Societies

by Danielle Cariaga

River Dell has numerous activities and extracurriculars for their students to indulge in. Some of these groups take their efforts to the next level – giving back to their community and making changes around them. The various honor societies at RDHS are meant to appeal to the interests of students and make the world a better place. This article serves as a guide and introduction to all the honor societies and provides an overview of how to prepare if you’d like to apply. Even if you are not yet eligible, this article will provide insight for when you eventually apply.

There are 10 Honor societies: The Art National Honor Society, Chinese Honor Society, French Honor Society, Italian Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Tri-M (Master of Modern Music) Honor Society. All are uniquely different but equally as important as the others.

the other members of the society and providing service to their community.

The National Art Honor Society consists of art students who have a passion to continue developing their art within society. The NAHS hosts volunteering events throughout Oradell and River Edge in hopes of beautifying the towns with students’ artwork. The most recent project was the painting of storm drains to spread awareness about the harms of plastic waste and littering. Students who have taken two year of art class with an average of 90% and above are eligible to apply. Students can begin to apply in early September during the Club fair. If they are accepted, they will be inducted in the same school year.

The French Honor Society also strives to help the community through fundraisers and tutoring. Sophomores who have an overall grade of 91% or above are eligible (overall grades are a combination of your Freshman and Sophomore marking period grades). There is no application process for this society, it is solely based on your grades in French class.

also host community service activities and events that foster interest in mathematics. Mu Alpha Theta requires that its members are in honors, AP, or SUPA mathematics courses for at least six marking periods (3 semesters – sophomores and juniors only) before they apply. Furthermore, the student must show strong characteristics of academic integrity, work ethic, potential in mathematics, and no record of academic dishonesty. Eligible students should receive an email from Ms. Metts or Mrs. Borges, but in case they don’t, they should contact Mrs. Borges by the end of March in their sophomore or junior year.

The National Science Honor Society offers students the opportunity to serve other communities using their scientific gifts and passions. Members are expected to embrace their love for science through volunteering (tutoring/science-related activities). Sophomores who have received outstanding grades in their science courses and demonstrated intellectual vitality in the sciences are invited to SNHS and inducted in their junior year. Applicants are expected to maintain an overall weighted average of 90% or above in all their Honors, SUPA, and AP science courses.

open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. They must have a 91% weighted average for three consecutive semesters in an Honors Spanish class or a 94% in a CP Spanish class. Additionally, students must have already taken Spanish II or higher. Members should be prepared to do at least 10 hours of Spanishrelated community service activities like tutoring and fundraising.

The Chinese Honor Society works to spread Chinese language and culture throughout the community. In an effort to share their knowledge of the Chinese culture and language, they provide services like tutoring and fundraisers. Sophomores who are taking Mandarin with an overall grade of 92% or above may send their grade to their teacher after the second semester. These students must realize the responsibility of being a member of the Chinese Honor Society, including helping

The Italian Honor Society is for passionate Italian language students who wish to spread the Italian culture throughout the River Dell community. The members are creative leaders who take initiative and organize school activities. Candidates must have a final grade of 95% or above (Freshman year and Sophomore year) in Italian as well as an average of 85% in all other classes since freshman year. The members of the Italian Honor Society are expected to attend member meetings, tutor fellow students, and facilitate fundraisers. Furthermore, active members of the Italian Honor Society are eligible for scholarship money. Students can apply by emailing Signora Uzzi screenshots of their report cards since Freshman year. The deadline for this year’s application was March 20th, however, it is never too early to start preparing for next year’s application.

The National English Honor Society is for those who want to promote literacy both in and out of the River Dell community. Apart from putting this achievement on college applications, Students in the NEHS have the ability to compete for scholarships and spread their love for reading and writing. RD students who are a part of the NEHS are required to have taken a consecutive two years of Honors or AP English. Furthermore, the students must have a 90% or higher in each of their Honors English classes and English electives. Applicants are invited to apply in March.

The Spanish Honor Society encourages students to develop their service skills and character. The SHS places a heavy emphasis on community service as well as civic engagement with local and global communities. Each year, they raise money to make donations to those in need. This year, the members of the SHS raised money to make a $300 donation to support the World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters. Students who are interested in applying must be enrolled in a Spanish class and must take Spanish courses until graduation. The application is only

Last but not least, the Modern Master of Music or Tri-M Honor Society is a performance-based honor society group that excels at helping its community through music. The Tri-M members learn the value of community service and how to help others while heightening their performance and musical talents. Members also partake in many musical events like Classical Night, Pops Night, and Valentine’s Day Grams. Tri-M members also strive to help those in need through their talents. For example, recently, the Tri-M Honor Society hosted a benefit concert to help support the victims of earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Any student who is part of a music course may apply for this honor society. All applicants are required to submit a letter of interest, a letter of recommendation, and a musical resume. Furthermore, the applicant must perform a memorized piece which must be classical or from Broadway which will be reviewed by the Tri-M officers and advisor. Overall, each honor society is unique in how they give back to the community. These societies are not just titles that you put on your resume; rather, they are the keys that unlock your ability to help those around you. Good luck applying!

The Mu Alpha Theta (Math) Honor Society values helping fellow students through their Math Labs in the library, extra help, tutoring, and fundraisers. They ety helps create fundraising events for the community. Those who are eligible should receive an invitation to apply for the NHS. This invitation indicates that the student is among the best and most accomplished students in their class and that their academic efforts should be recognized. Unlike the other honor societies, the NHS requires applicants to submit various documents like an activity sheet, a cover letter that covers their commitment to volunteerism and service, and a letter of recommendation. This is then submitted to the Selection Committee in March when the application is reviewed.