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OSSINING, N.Y. Ossining High School students said being in the National Honor Society inspires them to keep their grades high and also helps them to find out about opportunities for volunteer work.
"I think it's nice to be recognized for your hard work in school," said Yairo Rivas, a junior who joined the NHS this year.
In order to be part of the Ossining NHS, students must have a grade point average of 88 or higher, and they must do at least 20 hours of community service each year.
"For me, it's not an excuse to do community service, it's an opportunity to get recognized for something that I would already do," said Emma Preston, a senior who joined NHS in 10th grade.
For her volunteer work, Preston helped throw parties for special needs adults at her temple, Congregation Sons of Israel.
Rivas tutored students in their homes and helped someone cut their grass, while classmate Denise Illescas helped make gingerbread houses and Christmas cards in a nursing home. Senior Charles Lin volunteered at Progenics pharmaceutical company in Tarrytown helping to stock solutions and other supplies.
"NHS is an opportunity to find out about various organizations that need volunteers," said NHS President Katie Mangialardi. "It's also a venue to create projects that benefit a good cause."
Events that NHS students organize include a senior citizen prom that usually takes place in the high school gym after the spring theatrical show in May, and a student benefit concert in January that raises money for the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life cancer fund.
NHS is also organizing a holiday hat, scarf and toy drive that will benefit the Ossining Children's Center.
Donna Love and Rosibel Sosa, both Spanish teachers, are advisors for the NHS in Ossining High School.
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