Normal West’s own National English honor society has surpassed a monumental and ambitious milestone as they have over 350 hours of community service, blowing the requirement to be in the honor society out of the water.

 NEHS has 58 members here at Normal West, and they are all mentored by the Mrs. Nicki Mackinson.

This is such a big deal for the society as organizations around the community and school now know NEHS as a service organization rather than a society just gets a chord at graduation. 

“I’m proud that our students have met or exceeded their hours, and they’ve really made volunteering part of their routine,” Mackinson said.

NEHS was poised for success after naming Roman Flores, President and Annabelle Kuchler, Vice President.

Most recently, NEHS was called upon by the post-prom committee to help plan and fundraise all that post-prom has to offer. 

NEHS has also helped other events, such as the Eastern Illinois food mobile, Post Prom, Alzheimer’s Facility, Humane Society of Mclean County, Hauntcert trick or treating, after-school tutoring, the Midwest Food Bank and various church services.  

Some students that have gone above and beyond are senior, Chloe Koestner; senior, Natalie Sokulski; and junior, Hayden Kuchfeski.

“For NEHS we only need two service projects, but I’ve been to all but one of the food banks this year. I just like being there and being able to help. Everyone that helps and comes through all brings good vibes,” Koestner noted. 

Aside from the positive vibes of the volunteer opportunities, Koestner has also learned the value of NEHS as a group, as well.

Nehs is important to me because it has introduced me to the food bank, and I’ve met so many awesome people by doing that. I plan to continue working with food bank related activities even after school is out,” she added.