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Roy C. Ketcham High School

99 Myers Corners Road / Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 / PH: 845.298.5100

National Honor Society

The official logo of the National Honor Society, featuring a torch and the letters NHS.

Roy C. Ketcham National Honor Society

 

Advisors: Elizabeth McMillan and Daniel Pampalone

President: Gen Schaefer
Vice President: Shabd Bhangoo
Treasurer: Gianna Orellana
Secretary: Kenny Jimenez
Website/Social Media Coordinator: Kimora Braswell

 

The National Honor Society, guided by its four pillars of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character, stands as a beacon of excellence within the Wappingers community. Through a myriad of activities and initiatives, NHS members embody these principles, striving to give back to their community while honing essential life skills. NHS members serve as leaders in the Wappingers community due to the values installed in them by the NHS. In the 2026-2027 school year, NHS hosted the second annual 5K Run/Walk for Sparrow’s Nest, while bringing back the traditional Sparrow’s Fest Talent Show. We’ll continue to provide commitment to the Wappingers community in the 2026-2027 school year. Which is why every year the NHS remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold our four pillars, fostering a culture of academic achievement, leadership development, community service, and moral integrity among its members.

 

 


Appliance and Acceptance

Acceptance into RCK’s National Honors Society is an outstanding academic achievement. Students will be invited to join after quarter 2 of their junior year. The following are requirements prior to joining:

1. A student must obtain an overall academic average of 91%.

2.  A student must also obtain at least 10 honors community service.

 

After receiving the invitation to join there are other requirements to apply.

  1.  A student must obtain 2 faculty recommendations and will use a google form that is provided.
  2. A lengthy google doc will be written and printed out to hand in. This document will have two main sections that each student who is looking to apply will need to fill out.
  3. Submit your application by bringing it to Ms. McMillan in room 333. 

 

Section A

  1.  In section A of the NHS applicant requires a student to name the academic awards they have received throughout high school.
  2.  Following this, a student must write around 100 words about what the statements, “Knowledge is power” and/or  “You achieve in proportion to what you attempt,” mean to them. 
  3. Continuing along in this section a student must list their leadership qualities, and their former roles as leaders in their day to day lives. 
  4. A student must list their community service hours and where they took place. For entrance into the NHS, students must have at least 10 hours of community service.
  5.  Lastly, in section A, a student must write a thoughtful and reflective paragraph around with a 500 word limit about how they have demonstrated each of the following qualities; respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship. If a student has received a referral, please provide an explanation as to why.

Section B

Section B of the NHS applicant requires a student to write an essay/personal statement between 300 and 500 words. In this piece, a student must be thoughtful and specific, sharing personal experiences that highlight their growth and how these values will guide them beyond high school. Make sure all the questions are answered in order.

Information for Current Members

Hours:

Community Service: 30 hours total and mandatory participation in 1 NHS sponsored event.
Students who earn 100 or 200 hours or more get a special stole/medal to be worn at graduation in recognition.

Due Dates for submitting hours: (non-negotiable). Hours submitted past any of the deadlines for the time periods listed below will not count. (2025-2026 due dates)

 

 Summer hours due by 9/30/26

Fall hours due by 12/23/26

Winter hours due by 3/31/27

Spring hours due by 5/27/27

 

Grades:

Grades will be checked after the second quarter that an overall average of 91 or higher is being maintained.

 If you are below the 91 required grade average, you will have until 5/6/27 to raise your average back to the requirement. If you cannot...Please be aware - if you fail to meet the requirements, you will not graduate with the NHS distinction. (No cord, tassel, NHS list of names on graduation program, or distinction sticker on your diploma)

 

 

Official National Honor Society Website

Meeting Schedule: 

Tuesday- September 15th, 2026

Tuesday- October 6th, 2026

Monday- November 9th, 2026

Tuesday- December 8th, 2026

Monday- January 11th, 2027

Monday February 8th, 2027

Monday- March 8th, 2027

Monday, April 12th , 2027

Monday- May 3th , 2027

 

Click this link for event pictures and info!

Event dates: 

Bonfire- 9/30/26

November Bake Sale- 11/12/26

Trunk or Treak -10/24/26

Socktober- all of October