by John Christoph '12

The Byzantium Chapter of the National English Honor Society expects a good third year in 2009/2010. Having achieved success through Word of the Day, Journalism, Art and Photography contests, the Monthly Poetry Challenge, Alpha Readers, and Community Reading, the chapter has plans for expanding its activities.  Top on the list is expanding the journalism program to all NEHS members.  All members now write for publication in the yearbook, the Sabre, the literary magazine, and the web.

NEHS sponsor Mr. Robert Davies comments, “One of the advantages of NEHS is the opportunity for additional leadership roles, such as journalism editor and literary magazine editor.”  Marianne Nell '10, President of the chapter, states, “Our greatest success has been the bake sales.  They have raised both money and attention for the NEHS.”  Membership is steadily rising, reaching a record twenty-five members in the fall of 2009.  Nell comments, “Our annual goals are to maintain and improve the programs we have and to steadily increase our numbers.  We want everyone at R-MA to have a sense of dedication to their studies, particularly in English, and the National English Honor Society is one of the best ways to achieve this.”

A Few More Details...

The Randolph-Macon Academy chapter—the Byzantium Chapter—of the National English Honor Society is sponsored by the international collegiate English Honor Society of Sigma Tau Delta.  The organization offers recognition, leadership, service, and college scholarship opportunities to high school English students. 

Areas of chapter focus include literature, fine writing, language, and media studies.

The missions of the NEHS are described in the constitution as:

   A. to confer distinction upon secondary school students for high achievement in
        English language and literature;

   B. to provide cultural stimulation in secondary school environments;

   C. to encourage interest in the English language arts;

   D. to promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;

   E.  to serve society by fostering literacy.

Students who meet the following membership criteria are invited to apply:  

Attendance at Randolph-Macon Academy at least one semester prior to application

Cumulative grade point average of 3.7, including an average of at least 3.7 in Honors and AP English

Completion of one semester of Honors or AP English prior to application

Exemplary conduct and honor

Commitment to NEHS community service missions

Completion of the application process

For more information, contact:

Robert Davies
English Department Chairperson
NEHS Faculty Advisor
rdavies@rma.edu