The Tyrone Area High School National Honor Society (NHS) is embarking on a new chapter with the arrival of new advisors and several updated requirements.

After former NHS advisers Gary Aharra and Amanda Burega left the district, English teacher Kathy Beigle and social studies teacher Tracy Redinger stepped up to lead the club.

Beigle and Redinger are bringing fresh perspectives to NHS, though they admit they are starting from scratch in their new roles.

There will be a few changes this year, with a slightly higher GPA requirement, a change to community service requirements, and a new discipline policy. They also plan to add a more formal induction and award ceremony for members of the organization.

“We are hoping to provide stable and supportive leadership for the students,” Beigle said.

Their vision for the club includes fostering a student-led environment, where they will offer guidance rather than direct management.

Lenelle Eades, the current secretary of NHS, is happy to have Beigle and Redinger as the new NHS advisers.

“I think they are going to be very involved and helpful to make this club better,” Eades said.

One of the major changes for this school year is the newly expanded community service requirement.

Members are expected to complete at least 30 hours of community service by April 30th, an increase from the previous year’s 15-hour requirement.

To support students and help them meet this goal, Beigle and Redinger plan to organize several group events.

These include a Toys for Tots drive in December, where members will help unload and repack toys for children in need, and a springtime group activity at Fort Roberdeau.

Another significant update is the introduction of a new disciplinary policy.

Any disciplinary infractions will now be subject to the advisors’ discretion and could result in removal from the club.

This policy will be reviewed at the end of each marking period to ensure that all members maintain the high standards expected of NHS participants.

Previously there was no discipline policy for members of the NHS, and Beigle and Redinger felt that this was a policy that needed to be added.

Members must also maintain an average GPA of 93% throughout the year and attend all mandatory meetings.

The year will culminate with an induction ceremony at the end of April, celebrating the hard work and achievements of NHS members.

To help cover the costs of the induction ceremony and awards for graduating NHS members, Beigle and Redinger are organizing a holiday fundraiser from Thanksgiving through Christmas. NHS members will sell chocolate-covered pretzel rods and peanut butter meltaways from Gardners Candies.

Any student who has questions about NHS should contact Redinger or Beigle.