Post by Charity on Apr 10, 2007 21:57:26 GMT -5
Homeschoolers Named to Prestigious High School Society
by Andrea Longbottom
In spring 2006, homeschooled students Ronnie Grider and Penelope Anderson were selected for membership in the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).
Ronnie Grider after participating in a symphony concert in his hometown in March 2006.
NSHSS was founded in 2002 by Claes Nobel (of the Nobel Prize family) and currently consists of over 150,000 student members representing almost 20 countries. According to the society’s website, the mission of the organization is to “recognize academic excellence and to encourage members to apply their unique talents, vision, and potential for the betterment of themselves and the world.”
Students join NSHSS by invitation only. To qualify, they must maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA and either be nominated by a teacher or educational partner or request an invitation for membership. NSHSS awards its members many benefits, including scholarships, invitations to special events and programs, and recognition that bolsters their chances of being accepted by a college or university. “Our vision is to build a dynamic international organization that connects members with meaningful content, resources, and opportunities,“ says NSHSS President James Lewis.
Sixteen-year-old Ronnie Grider of East Peoria, Illinois, was named to the society in May 2006. Ronnie was nominated by a public high school counselor who helped him participate in standardized testing at the high school. Ronnie thinks his selection to NSHSS was a result of high test scores, as well as his community involvement. “I wasn’t expecting it,” he says of his reaction.
Ronnie says the ability to go at his own pace in homeschooling helped him succeed academically. “If you need to spend a longer time studying something, you can do that,” he says. Science—particularly dissection and experimentation—has always interested the teenager, and he even has his own lab in the house. (Once, he caught the kitchen on fire while conducting an experiment!) Eventually, Ronnie plans to attend medical school and become a general practitioner or orthopedic surgeon.
Through community service, Ronnie has found a way to combine his interests with helping others. In summer 2005, he volunteered at a local hospital, transporting medicine and medical apparatus. Ronnie is also a violinist with the Central Illinois Youth Symphony, and has enjoyed playing for patients at the local hematology and oncology center at Christmas. He is currently creating a CD of his music and will donate the proceeds to Hurricane Katrina relief. Other experiences include taking a mission trip to South Africa with his parents and church family, and working with children in his church’s Bible verse memory program. “My parents have always stressed community service,” says Ronnie. “I think it’s important that we give back without expecting something to be given back to us.”
more
nche.hslda.org/docs/BrightSpots/200609130.asp
by Andrea Longbottom
In spring 2006, homeschooled students Ronnie Grider and Penelope Anderson were selected for membership in the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).
Ronnie Grider after participating in a symphony concert in his hometown in March 2006.
NSHSS was founded in 2002 by Claes Nobel (of the Nobel Prize family) and currently consists of over 150,000 student members representing almost 20 countries. According to the society’s website, the mission of the organization is to “recognize academic excellence and to encourage members to apply their unique talents, vision, and potential for the betterment of themselves and the world.”
Students join NSHSS by invitation only. To qualify, they must maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA and either be nominated by a teacher or educational partner or request an invitation for membership. NSHSS awards its members many benefits, including scholarships, invitations to special events and programs, and recognition that bolsters their chances of being accepted by a college or university. “Our vision is to build a dynamic international organization that connects members with meaningful content, resources, and opportunities,“ says NSHSS President James Lewis.
Sixteen-year-old Ronnie Grider of East Peoria, Illinois, was named to the society in May 2006. Ronnie was nominated by a public high school counselor who helped him participate in standardized testing at the high school. Ronnie thinks his selection to NSHSS was a result of high test scores, as well as his community involvement. “I wasn’t expecting it,” he says of his reaction.
Ronnie says the ability to go at his own pace in homeschooling helped him succeed academically. “If you need to spend a longer time studying something, you can do that,” he says. Science—particularly dissection and experimentation—has always interested the teenager, and he even has his own lab in the house. (Once, he caught the kitchen on fire while conducting an experiment!) Eventually, Ronnie plans to attend medical school and become a general practitioner or orthopedic surgeon.
Through community service, Ronnie has found a way to combine his interests with helping others. In summer 2005, he volunteered at a local hospital, transporting medicine and medical apparatus. Ronnie is also a violinist with the Central Illinois Youth Symphony, and has enjoyed playing for patients at the local hematology and oncology center at Christmas. He is currently creating a CD of his music and will donate the proceeds to Hurricane Katrina relief. Other experiences include taking a mission trip to South Africa with his parents and church family, and working with children in his church’s Bible verse memory program. “My parents have always stressed community service,” says Ronnie. “I think it’s important that we give back without expecting something to be given back to us.”
more
nche.hslda.org/docs/BrightSpots/200609130.asp