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BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. For Briarcliff High School senior Yaron Rubin, being co-president of the National Honor Society (NHS) gives him a chance to challenge himself in a leadership role and to help out others.
"I like to make a difference helping out others, tutoring others. It gives a lot of meaning to me, rather than just going through the days by myself," Rubin said.
NHS is a national organization that promotes community service and ethics, explained Anthony Muranelli, the Briarcliff NHS advisor, who is a Spanish teacher. Briarcliff students must have a minimum GPA of 93 in order to be considered for the NHS, and they must also submit an application with teacher recommendations and an essay.
"I think it puts expectations on the kids. If you're in National Honor Society, we don't expect you to cheat or to cut class or to be disrespectful," Muranelli said. "They're held to a higher standard."
National Honor Society members tutor peers in subjects that they excel in, and they also help to run a blood drive in February that benefits the Hudson Blood Services.
Forty juniors and seven seniors were inducted into the NHS on Nov. 21 by 45 existing members. The induction ceremony was prepared and coordinated by NHS students and funded through NHS fundraisers, including various bake sales.
"I'm a pretty good baker. Brownies are my specialty," Rubin said. "Bake sales are the magic gem in our school."
During the induction ceremony, each current NHS member gave a short speech about an incoming NHS member, new members were presented with certificates, and the ceremony was followed by a reception.
"National Honor Society is not just about grades. It's about character, community service and extracurricular activities," Rubin said. "It's more for well-rounded students."
Aside from being NHS president, Rubin is also the captain of the varsity soccer team and a member of the Cliff Notes acapella group, and he plays the cello.
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