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English Honor Society

English Honor Society

The Comet chapter of the National English Honor Society (NEHS) was established in October, 2010.  Founded and sponsored by the International English Society of Sigma Tau Delta, the National English Honor Society is the only national organization exclusively for high school students and faculty who, in the field of English, merit special note for past and current accomplishments. Ms. Whitehair, a veteran teacher in the high school English department, and Ms. Shtein, the English Department’s current teacher of Creative Writing, act as co-advisors for the chapter.  Meetings are held monthly beginning in September.

Purpose

The Comet chapter's charge is to promote and support the study of literature and English Language Arts in both our school and in the larger community.  Through their work, society members look deeper into literature-related careers, meet with authors, and help to promote literacy and a love of reading.  Appropriately, the symbol at the center of the insignia of the National English Honor Society is a book.  Books connote reading and literature and also the knowledge and experience passed from generation to generation through the written word.

Eligibility and Membership

Membership in the Comet chapter of the NEHS is limited to students in Grades 11-12 who meet each of the eligibility criteria given below.  These eligibility criteria and performance expectations reflect superior achievement, a repeated commitment to excellence, and a deep interest in literature and language.  To be considered for admission to the society, students must:

- be currently enrolled in an English Honors or Advanced Placement class.
- have been enrolled in Honors or Advanced Placement English at Hicksville High School during the previous school year and completed that course successfully with a minimum average of 90 (not including the Regents exam).
- have taken the English Regents and achieved the State-defined level of mastery of 85% or better on the exam. (Seniors only).

A completed membership application is required of all students, including returning members; new members must also complete and submit an essay as described on the application. Candidates who are accepted into the National English Honor Society are expected to participate in all meetings and club activities that are held during the year.

Evaluations for placement are made at the beginning of each school year based on the criteria specified.  Even though the chapter is not open to ninth or tenth graders, those entering high school as freshmen in September cohort must begin to meet eligibility criteria and maintain it in order to be considered for membership in their junior year.