Students at Berlin High School continue to demonstrate their prowess in the classroom and beyond, this time with a new honor society that recognizes student academic achievement in the social studies and civic engagement.
The inaugural cohort of the Berlin High School Chapter of Rho Kappa, NCSS was honored in the high school’s library media center on Wednesday, March 20th. The 24 inductees took a pledge focused on the core organizational principles of truth, knowledge, wisdom, and service in front of a crowd comprised of family members, high school faculty and staff, town and educational officials, and well-wishers.
The Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society was established by the National Council for the Social Studies in December, 2011. It is the only national organization that recognizes high school juniors and seniors for excellence in the field of social studies. Currently, there are Rho Kappa chapters in 41 states and the District of Columbia, with 16 chapters established in Connecticut. There are also chapters in China, Germany, Italy, and Singapore.
According to its by-laws, the Berlin High School Chapter of Rho Kappa, NCSS is a Social Studies Honor Society that promotes scholarship and recognizes academic excellence in social studies among high school students; encourages interest in, understanding of, and appreciation for the social studies; and supports the interest, knowledge of, and participation in civic affairs through scheduled activities throughout the year.
Among the criteria to be eligible for admission in the Berlin High School Chapter of Rho Kappa,
NCSS, students must have completed four semesters in the field of social studies and be prepared to complete at least six semesters. Students must also have a minimum weighted GPA of a 3.5 on the 4.0 BHS scale for social studies courses, and an overall GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, all candidates must have demonstrated civic engagement in the community or school.
Social Studies teachers David Bosso, Amy Marchetti, Brendan Rush, and Jennifer Wilkosz serve as the chapter’s co-advisors and facilitated the swearing in of the students to the organization.` Several special guests were present to share congratulatory remarks, including State Representative, Joe Aresimowicz; Mayor of the Town of Berlin, Mark Kaczynski; Board of Education member, Adam Salina; Superintendent of Berlin Public Schools, Brian Benigni; and BHS Principal, Eileen Eustis.
Students who are members of Rho Kappa will have the opportunity to focus on a number of events and projects centered on social studies education, and will be engaged in various activities throughout the year, from fundraising to community service.