As NEHS commemorates its 20th anniversary, it does so with a renewed commitment to honoring the transformative power of language, storytelling, and education. In celebration of two decades of fostering literary excellence among high school students, NEHS has recognized an extraordinary group of writers, educators, and cultural figures with honorary memberships. These honorees—each a luminary in the world of letters—have not only shaped contemporary literature but have also inspired the readers and thinkers within our community. Through their diverse voices and groundbreaking contributions, they exemplify the values NEHS upholds: creativity, critical thought, and the enduring impact of words.
Learn more about the honorary members.
Elizabeth Acevedo
As the Young People’s Poet Laureate and National Book Award winner, Elizabeth Acevedo’s works like The Poet X have resonated with student members, blending poetry and storytelling to explore identity and culture.
Anthony Doerr
Pulitzer Prize-winning author of All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr’s narratives delve into human resilience amidst adversity, captivating students and Advisors worldwide.
Rita Dove
Former US Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize recipient, Rita Dove’s extensive body of work spans poetry, essays, and plays, reflecting on history and personal experience.
Louise Erdrich
A member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, Louise Erdrich’s novels include The Night Watchman, which offers profound insights into Native American life and heritage.
Silas House
Kentucky Poet Laureate and Grammy finalist, Silas House’s writings and productions highlight Appalachian culture and environmental themes.
Jean Lamar
With nearly 35 years in education, Lamar has been instrumental in advancing English Language Arts instruction and professional development.
Ada Limón
The 24th US Poet Laureate and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient, Ada Limón’s poetry connects readers to the natural world, emphasizing the beauty in everyday moments.
Alice Oseman
Creator of the Heartstopper series, Alice Oseman’s work in literature and television has brought LGBTQIA+ stories to the forefront, earning her international acclaim.
Ann Patchett
Author of Bel Canto and The Dutch House, Ann Patchett’s novels explore complex human relationships, and she actively supports independent bookstores through her own, Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN.
Jason Reynolds
Former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Jason Reynolds’ impactful books address social issues, inspiring student members to engage with the world around them.
Clint Smith
Author of How the Word Is Passed, Clint Smith’s work examines the legacy of slavery in America, fostering critical conversations about history and memory.
By honoring these individuals, NEHS reinforces its commitment to promoting literacy, creativity, and intellectual engagement among students and educators around the world. As NEHS looks to the future, it encourages its student members and Chapter Advisors to draw inspiration from these honorees, and to strive to make meaningful impacts in their communities through the written word.
Visit the NEHS 20th Anniversary Honorary Member Texts curated list on Bookshop.org for more books by these renowned authors.
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.
