With the recent start of the school year, it is time for Stamford High School’s many clubs and activities to commence once again. One such club, the Science National Honor Society (SNHS), had their first meeting of the year last week, and they are excited to begin the year off strong.

The Science National Honor Society is a national community of science lovers who come together to help their communities through their passions. The chapter at Stamford High is advised by Bill Halmeck and Kristen Amon, who are both science teachers at the school. The SNHS chapter was started in December of 2018 and now has approximately 40 academically-achieving senior members.  Their many events include inviting speakers to come and talk about science-related topics and running a booth at STEMfest this past weekend that engaged children of all ages.

The idea for the creation of a SNHS chapter at Stamford High can be credited to recent SHS graduate Grihith Manchanda, who has now taken his love of science to the Georgia Institute of Technology where he is studying physics. 

Manchanda says that the inspiration behind this project “spurred from the lack of a focus on science in the community.” His goal was to create an interest in science through a number of outreach events each year. 

Karla Ravin, the senior President of the chapter, offers more insight on what it is like to be a member. When she initially heard about the SNHS, Ravin realized that it would be a perfect opportunity to help her pursue her desired career in chemistry, so, she applied. She notes that now, being a member of the society, it is rewarding in many aspects of her day-to-day life. Ravin also said that organizing events is “tremendously fun” and that seeing kids become interested in science is a gratifying experience.

 “We use science every single day of our lives,” said Ravin. “You shouldn’t reject the amazing opportunities that SNHS offers.”

After all this talk of the many opportunities that SNHS offers, you may be wondering: how do I become a part of it? Well, Advisor Halmek recommends that students create a goal for themselves to become a member since freshman year. They have to be diligent in gaining community service hours, academic success, and fulfilling leadership positions since the start. All of these aspects help build a strong application for once they are juniors. However, they must also meet SNHS-established regulations to receive a letter of eligibility. From there, they can submit their application and hope for the best. For the class of 2021, these letters will go out soon after midterms, so be prepared!

Simply speaking, SNHS isn’t an ordinary club. It is one built on important values that the advisors and members all uphold. As referenced in the SNHS mission statement, the students focus on “communicating with and aiding the scientific community”, which is something Stamford High could use.