Medical Lake High School National Honor Society treasurer Nick Isherwood (left) and president Emma Ransom demonstrate one of the ways they help tutor their classmates.
One of the four pillars of the National Honor Society (NHS) is service. According to its website service is a willingness to work for the benefit of those in need without compensation or recognition.
High school NHS chapters will dedicate many hours to performing community service projects, but some will also take time to help improve their school. One way Medical Lake is doing this is by offering tutoring for their classmates during lunchtime in the counseling center, Monday through Friday, until May.
The NHS started the tutoring program last year as a way to help their classmates. Nicole Rippee, adviser and counselor, said the club based its tutoring model after the Lewis and Clark High School's NHS chapter. Tutoring is also a way to help bolster the chapter's membership and ties in the other three NHS pillars: leadership, scholarship and character.
"Participation in NSH is higher this year, we have a lot more involvement from students," Rippee said. "It also shows how Medical Lake is benefiting from NHS."
Each NHS member will sign up for one day each month. Up to two students will be available for tutoring at the time. Last year, the club offered the tutoring program before and after school but kept it to just during lunchtime this year.
"Most kids are here during lunch and that time is open for anyone who needs help, even if it's just for a math problem," NHS treasurer Nick Isherwood said.
Vice president Romona Hyde said most of the students who come to tutoring are freshmen and sophomores. With most NHS members having already taken those classes, it's mainly a review.
"Math is usually the primary subject most students have trouble with," Hyde said.
Tutoring is also a way for NHS members to connect with underclassmen and help them transition into a new school and classes.
"We usually don't see underclassmen during school hours, so we don't usually get a chance to show them the ropes," president Emma Ransom said.
The club is also asking teachers to inform their students about the tutoring opportunity.
"Our teachers do a great job and they stay after class to help students, but they are also busy," NHS secretary Jessica Laird said. "Some students also learn different ways and may have a perspective that is more helpful to the student."
Rippee added that some students have a fear of asking a teacher for help during class, whereas tutoring allows a student to be with their peers in a one-on-one or two-on-one setting and receive help without being in front of the class.
While their classmates mostly benefit from tutoring, Isherwood said NHS members feel a sense of accomplishment after helping someone understand a problem for the first time and restoring their confidence.
"As you are teaching someone, you also see your own growth," Isherwood said.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
Reader Comments(0)