Each year, NEHS proudly offers the Intellectual Freedom Challenge (IFC), inviting student members to examine the world of censored literature. This challenge encourages participants to craft compelling argumentative essays on texts that have faced challenges or bans.
Books provoke discussion and dissent for various reasons—ideas that challenge norms, language that sparks controversy, or scenes that provoke discomfort. Yet, these debates highlight the importance of intellectual freedom in education, particularly within English classes. The IFC champions this fundamental principle, emphasizing the role of literature in fostering critical thinking and defending the right to explore diverse perspectives.
Read on to learn about the 2025-2026 winning submissions and learn more about the 2026 – 2027 IFC. Visit the English Honor Societies Instagram account during Banned Books Week 2026 for video reflections from this year’s winners.
The Lasting Importance of 1984‘s Message in Schools
by Celia Viator, The Woodlands College Park High School, TX
Celia Viator is a sophomore enrolled in The Woodlands College Park High School, located in The Woodlands, TX. Celia enjoys excelling in her classes, playing on her school’s tennis team, and has a passion for painting, though reading remains her favorite hobby. Celia has a great appreciation for writing and has always had a desire to express her thoughts about important literature. She is always striving to improve not only herself but the world around her. She hopes to one day make a large impact by becoming an engineer, as well as shedding light on important issues through her writing and speeches.
A Dream Worth Defending
by Jayden Ockert, HCS Scholars Academy High School, SC
Jayden Ockert is an 11th grade student at HCS Scholars Academy High School and is devoted to her passions in the arts and sciences. She enjoys creative writing, drawing, crocheting, and playing the piano, exploring different avenues to express creativity. Jayden is also proud of her accomplishments in a Coastal Carolina University biochemistry lab, researching the presence of Heartworm disease in her local communities. She is an active member in her school environment, serving as the Student Body Vice President and participating in numerous clubs and organizations, including the National Honor Society. Jayden is also interested in the preservation of the environment and is a co-business owner of the company Beak Bread, which is devoted to baking and producing bread that has nutritional value for birds.
Igniting Thought: Fahrenheit 451 and the Battle Against Silence
by Payton Acree, Palm Harbor University High School, FL
Payton Acree is an IB student at Palm Harbor University High School. She has a strong passion for reading and writing that led to her joining NEHS. She loves reading science-fiction and historical dramas in particular, as well as listening to music and crafting things. The most important thing to her in life is family, as they were the ones who encouraged her to pursue her goals and interests. Her favorite subjects have always been English, science, and social studies because she loves seeing how things are interconnected and getting to analyze them beneath their surface level value.
The Extent of Moral Ambiguity Explored in Sophie’s Choice
by Natalie Tran, West Covina High School, CA
Natalie Tran is a high school senior at West Covina High School with a passion for research, literature, biology, and community service. She is involved on campus, holding officer positions in the National English Honor Society, Computer Science Honor Society, and Crochet Club. She serves as president of O-Ambassadors, a community service club focused on volunteer work for children. Alongside clubs, she is a member of the Class Council, part of the Girls’ Varsity Tennis team, and an active volunteer for her local LA County Library, with over 80 hours promoting children’s literacy. She intends to pursue a degree in Neurobiology (BS) and go into the research field in hopes of expanding neurocognitive disorder knowledge.
The Danger of Blind Obedience in The Handmaid’s Tale
by Kathryn Clay, St. Joseph Central Catholic High School, WV
Kathryn Clay is a junior at St. Joseph Central Catholic High School and is an active member of the St. Joseph High School Vex team. Kathryn is a participant in the pep club, Key Club, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica. She is also employed at Buckle, a clothing store, where she won the best employee of the season. Kathryn has been an employee there now for just over six months. From her sales lead role, she has learned the importance of responsibility and teamwork. Kathryn plans to continue her education and pursue future academic and career goals.
Teenage Misfits are Not Alone: The Exploration of Challenged Literature in Self-Identity
By Mae Dawkins, Sullivan High School, IL
Mae Dawkins is a senior at Sullivan High School in Illinois where she is active in her student body. She has kept busy in her high school career being involved in athletics like basketball, volleyball, and track. Sports are her home away from home where she is able to step out of her comfort zone and do what she loves. She is also a nerd for her academics, planning to pursue a career in the science field and travel the world someday. Mae is involved in other extracurricular activities like NEHS, NHS, and FCA. She is also the vice president of her school’s chapter of FFA. She loves to spend time with her friends and family.
National English Honor Society
The National English Honor Society (NEHS), founded and sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, is the only international organization exclusively for secondary students and faculty who, in the field of English, merit special note for past and current accomplishments. Individual secondary schools are invited to petition for a local chapter, through which individuals may be inducted into Society membership. Immediate benefits of affiliation include academic recognition, scholarship and award eligibility, and opportunities for networking with others who share enthusiasm for, and accomplishment in, the language arts.
America’s first honor society was founded in 1776, but high school students didn’t have access to such organizations for another 150 years. Since then, high school honor societies have been developed in leadership, drama, journalism, French, Spanish, mathematics, the sciences, and in various other fields, but not in English. In 2005, National English Honor Society launched and has been growing steadily since, becoming one of the largest academic societies for secondary schools.
As Joyce Carol Oates writes, “This is the time for which we have been waiting.” Or perhaps it was Shakespeare: “Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer . . .” we celebrate English studies through NEHS.
National English Honor Society accepts submissions to our blog, NEHS Museletter, from all membership categories (students, Advisors, and alumni). If you are interested in submitting a blog, please read the Suggested Guidelines on our website. Email any questions and all submissions to: submit@nehsmuseletter.us.
