2025 is a momentous occasion for the National English Honor Society—its 20th anniversary!
For two decades, NEHS has fostered a love of literature, writing, and language among high school students across the country and around the world, offering a platform through which to celebrate students’ academic achievement and creativity.
To honor this milestone, NEHS is launching a series of activities and opportunities to engage student members and Chapter Advisors in a year-long celebration.
Give Back to Your Community
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, NEHS encourages chapters to participate in the 20 for 20 Social Service Project. This initiative challenges each student member to dedicate at least 20 hours to community service or social impact activities during 2025. Whether through literacy drives, book donations, tutoring programs, or creative writing workshops, the project emphasizes NEHS’ commitment to making a difference through the power of language and literature.
By collectively contributing time and effort, NEHS chapters will honor the society’s legacy of service and demonstrate the profound impact of their shared passion for English studies. Chapters are encouraged to document their efforts and share stories of their projects, highlighting the incredible work being done across the nation.
Establish an NEHS Little Free Library to Spread Literacy
NEHS is launching the NEHS Little Free Library Project as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations. This initiative invites chapters to establish Little Free Libraries in their communities, promoting literacy and access to books for all. By setting up these book-sharing boxes, NEHS chapters can create lasting resources that reflect the Society’s mission to foster a love of reading and writing. Each Little Free Library can become a hub of literary exchange, encouraging community members to take a book, share a book, and celebrate the joy of storytelling.
This project not only commemorates NEHS’ 20 years of excellence but also ensures that its legacy continues to inspire future generations. Chapters are encouraged to customize their libraries, document the process, and share their stories to highlight the impact of this meaningful endeavor.
Engage with Texts by Our NEHS 20th Anniversary Honorary Members
As part of our 20th-anniversary celebrations, chapters are encouraged to explore literary works by NEHS Honorary Members, an esteemed group of authors and literary advocates whose contributions have shaped the landscape of English language arts studies. Honorary NEHS members such as Elizabeth Acevedo, Anthony Doerr, Rita Dove, Louise Erdrich, Silas House, Ada Limón, Alice Oseman, Ann Patchett, Jason Reynolds, and Clint Smith, offer powerful narratives that will inspire and challenge readers.
By engaging with their texts, NEHS members can deepen their understanding of diverse perspectives and themes while celebrating the creativity and influence of these distinguished voices. Incorporating these works into chapter activities, book discussions, or classroom curriculums not only honors their contributions but also aligns with NEHS’ mission to foster a lifelong love for literature.
Look Out for More Opportunities
More 20th anniversary celebration opportunities will be coming soon. Look out for the opportunity for students to graduate in NEHS 20th Anniversary regalia, new awards for student members and Chapter Advisors, and the Great NEHS Gift Exchange!
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Webinar: Paullett Golden, February 26
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Spring Induction and Enrollment
