by Logan Bowe
On the afternoon of March 3rd, I had the honor to interview both Ms. Kossaris and Ms. Grogan, two of OHS’ very own English Department members and, more relevant to this article, the two advisors of our school’s newly founded National English Honor Society (NEHS) chapter “The Inward Eye”. I had the opportunity to ask them questions about the inaugural goals of “The Inward Eye” and the story behind the club’s inception.
Q: What served as the inspiration to start the Oceanside chapter of the National English Honor Society?
A: (Grogan): A few AP students, when Rho Kappa got going, said, “You’re the only discipline that doesn’t have an honor society.” It never occurred to us to make it until we were approached by a student. So we went to the English department’s chairperson and made it happen.
Q: Can you give me a brief description of what the National English Honor Society is all about?
A: (Kossaris): The National English Honor Society is all about promoting a love of literature, literacy, writing and service to the community.
Q: What are the requirements for joining the NEHS?
A: A student is required to be a part of one English Elective, Integrated class or English club (Sider Press, Lit Mag, Book Club, etc.), have an unweighted average of 85+ in AP or Honors English, 90+ for Regents English, a total GPA of 85+, and signed recommendation from a HS level English teacher.
Q: How can someone help the community with the help of NEHS?
A: This year we’ve participated with a lot of organizations. For example, the Thanksgiving food drive, the phon-a-thon, and support against wildfires. We generally support any Oceanside community initiative.
Q: And finally, Are there any big plans, events, or fundraisers coming up that OHS students should know about?
A: We just held a Community read of the psychological thriller novel “The Housemaid” on March 27th in the OHS library. Along with that, we have plans for poetry month coming up in April (which you’ll have to wait to see what’s planned). As for other activities this year, we’ve also decorated showcases around the school, including a biography showcase outside faculty lounge, one on banned books in the library, and library slideshows promoting media.