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ZBTHS NHS Chapter Wins National Award for Leadership

Zion, IL – For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and efforts to improve the school and community, the National Honor Society (NHS) awarded the Zion-Benton Township High School NHS chapter the Leadership Award of Excellence. 

NHS is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), which also oversees the National Association of Student Councils.

The ZBTHS chapter was recognized because of its exemplary leadership shown in its efforts to “pass the baton” to the next generation of local leaders through its mentoring program.  They have worked with the District 6 Youth Leadership Team (elementary and middle school leaders) on a number of community service projects, including building picnic tables and painting murals for the community, organizing a Pumpkin Smash composting event, and marching in the community Labor Day parade.  NHS members also record monthly videos to teach their younger peers about effective leadership strategies, send groups of students to local elementary and middle schools for mentoring and teambuilding activities, and host an annual Leadership Summit in which over 80 young people participate in hands-on activities emphasizing leadership, communication, and community service.  

"The NHS Chapter Pillar Awards celebrate chapters that truly embody what the National Honor Society stands for—students who don't just excel academically but actively strengthen their communities," said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. "The ZBTHS chapter demonstrates how powerful it can be when young leaders channel their talents toward meaningful service and positive change."

ZBTHS advisor Chris Kubic noted that he is proud of the chapter’s ongoing work.  “We can’t keep the four pillars of NHS (leadership, scholarship, service, and character) to ourselves - it’s incumbent on us as leaders to instill those values in others, as well.  Linking the community and the school is a large part of why I chose to teach in this community, and I’m so proud of the students and community partners for making this happen.”

ZBTHS Principal Bonnie Felske said, “I’m not surprised,” and added, “NHS is a tried and true organization demonstrating leadership in the building every single day.” I’m proud that they are demonstrating leadership and living out the tenets of the NHS.” 

The NHS Chapter Pillar Awards are prestigious recognitions to celebrate the outstanding achievements of NHS chapters across the country. In addition to basic requirements, the chapters must have demonstrated successful activities that exemplify all of the core values of NHS: scholarship, leadership, service, and character.  Learn more about the NHS Chapter Pillar Awards by clicking here.  

For more information about the ZBTHS chapter, or to partner with NHS for service projects or fundraising, contact sponsor Christopher Kubic (chris.kubic@zb126.org or 847-731-9542).

We need your help!  The ZBTHS NHS chapter wants to attend the 2026 National NHS Conference in Washington, DC, to accept our Chapter Award and present a workshop about our programs.  Click here to help us raise funds for the trip! 

You can also go to this link or QR code:  https://tinyurl.com/zbthsnhs  

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