By Kari Lena

Trojan Tribune Staff

Photo by www.cchsnet.org

West Central offers students many opportunities to be involved. However, while most programs offer membership to every student, National Honor Society is made up of a select group of high achievers. To be eligible, students must be in their junior or senior year and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. They then are selected by their teachers based on leadership, community service and character. This spring, NHS was proud to accept many of West Central’s finest.
Junior Megan Shumaker says, “I believe that being a part of NHS is a really great honor, so when I was nominated I applied right away.” Senior Justin Bergeson was excited when he saw he was eligible and applied because “it was something I had always wanted to do.” Juniors Emily Krizan and Jake Buckmiller jumped at the opportunity because of “how great it looks on scholarships and college applications.” Junior Sami Galliger believes that “applying shows you are more dedicated to your future because teachers notice the fact that you put forth effort.”
Now don’t get the wrong idea about NHS members. Sure they work hard at their school work, but academics is not the only area where they excel. Senior Sam Boerboom is an accomplished musician who is a member of the South Dakota All State Band and Orchestra. Senior Seth Wolles was WC’s quarterback, basketball team captain and Prom Prince. Bergeson is part of the 4 x 800 team that holds the school record and was the male lead in last year’s musical Grease and this year’s musical The Wedding Singer. Other activities NHS students participate in include:  band, choir, fall play, one act, drumline, jazz band, student council, taekwondo, improv, quiz bowl, cross country, science bowl, prom committee, soccer, hockey, FFA, yearbook, newspaper and church youth groups (just to name a few.)
The new NHS members have advice for underclassmen who may be interested in joining. Buckmiller and Bergeson agree that they should “get good grades, get involved, and stand out!” Shumaker says, “If you’re nominated…APPLY! It’s a great honor!” Krizan encourages, “Respect the teachers (all of them)- you never know which ones will be looking at and rating your application.” Galliger says, “My advice would be to get involved in as many activities as possible. Later in life you’ll be glad you did because you make great friends and you stand out from the average student.”