Students walk down the theater room aisle and claim their place among their peers. Candles are lit, and oaths are made. This is the induction ceremony and the National Art Honor Society just gained 12 new members.
NAHS is a national organization that has been a part of Dallastown for 17 years with the purpose of bringing joy to people of all ages through art.
Art teacher Thomas Myers has been the adviser since the beginning.
“Applications are reviewed, grades are checked, then they receive an acceptance letter. They are allowed to join as soon as they get their letter,” but they must wait until March to be officially inducted.
Students must maintain a B average in any art class, have taken Drawing I or Painting I, and have good character. They meet one to two times a month to work on activities.
Participating in art-related volunteer work to gain 20 hours of community service is required. The hours apply for all clubs that also require service hours aside from the National Honor Society.
“Our society is also called ArtFX which represents the effect art has on people,” said sophomore Lauren Chilcoat who is in her second year of NAHS.
In the past, the society has done face-painting jobs for elementary May Days, football games, Cougar sporting events, and other special events. The students involved are also the ones responsible for decorating the lobby floor for school events like Welcome to Winter and Spring Days, MiniThon, Homecoming, and musicals.
Students painted the lobby floor for the school musical “Into The Woods.” They also will be painting a sea-themed mural on the side of the Beach House Play Center daycare to give the children excitement from the scene as well as traveling to New York.
“The New York trip is something we have done every two years. Once we are in NY they will have the opport
unity to explore Times Square, Fifth Avenue…and see the Chicago Musical,” Myers said.
The trip is a team building activity for everyone to come together and have fun. They will also eat at the classic Hard ROCK Café.
Overall, the society completes its purpose by bringing joy to those who make the art and get to see others enjoy it.
“Art has always been something I am passionate about and I especially love how NAHS is less about making art for yourself and more about making it for the community,” Chilcoat said.
It is a group that is very welcoming and anyone can join if they are passionate about the arts. It is fulfilling to be surrounded by people who share the same passion and hobbies.
Myers concurs that everyone learns from one another and finds it worth joining to spread enthusiasm for art and be part of something bigger.
“It’s my way of giving back as well. I enjoy participating with the students to help our school and community. I want them to see how they can use their talents to help others.”
