Honor society students support their school, community

Courtney Hutchins spent her lunch hour Wednesday selling tickets. The goal is to sell more than 200 tickets to the victory dance being held after Friday's football game.

It was one of her first duties as president of the Carson High School National Honor Society.

The money raised from the dance will go toward the group's projects throughout the year, including blood and toy drives and a trip to the national conference in November. Those programs contribute more than 100 usable units of blood and about 600 toys for local organizations annually.

"We wanted to do something to support athletics and raise school spirit but then include a fun social activity. Plus, it also helps us continue to raise funds for our projects," co-sponsor Angila Golik said.

In addition to being the upper academic echelon of Carson High, members spend their free time raising money and volunteering for the good of their school and the community.

"(In National Honor Society) we get to do nice things for the community and it's good for college to be a part of it," Hutchins said.

In November, the honor society will add new recruits bringing the organization up to about 140 total members, making it one of the largest chapters in the nation, according to Golik.

In addition to the victory dance, they will hold a garage sale on school grounds from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 23 and have already begun selling tickets for a raffle drawing scheduled for Oct. 31.

"The kids spent all summer going around and collecting the donations for the raffle. We have received a lot of support from the local businesses," Golik said.

The prizes includes rounds of golf, dinners, oil changes, coffee coupons and quilts donated by Sierra Sewing Center.

Tickets are $1 each, with each member required to sell at least 20 tickets.

Part of the money from the fundraisers will be used to send four students to a national conference in Orlando, Fla., in November.

"It provides exposure to more than 6,000 kids from all over the country. They take what they learn, come back and have a positive contribution at the school. It helps them make an impact," Golik said.

The honor society also hosts two blood drives with the fall drive scheduled for late October.

During the holiday season, the group also spearheads an effort to provide toys to the Toys for Tots organization.

Students are required to complete 25 hours of community service outside of school as well as participate in tutoring programs at Seeliger and Empire elementary schools.

"These kids do a lot of good for the school and community," Golik said. "There's so much negative about kids, but I've got 140 of them that rock."

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.

Prizes

National Honor Society Raffle

First prize: Golf for two at Silver Oak Golf Course, two meals at Cracker Box, $75 gift certificate to Pinon Plaza Steakhouse, $5 gift certificate to Comma Coffee, quilt and a coupon for service from an NHS member.

Second prize: $20 gift certificate to Westside Ink, $20 gift certificate to Juan's Kitchen, oil change from Capital Ford, two T-shirts, quilt and coupon for service from an NHS member.

Third Prize: Oil change, $15 gift certificate from Mom and Pop's Diner, emergency car kit, quilt, $5 Comma Coffee gift certificate and a coupon for service from an NHS member.

Fourth Prize: $25 gift certificate to Grand Central Pizza and Pasta, lunch for two at Java Joe's, $15 gift certificate to Mom and Pop's Diner, quilt, and a coupon for service from an NHS member.

Tickets are available for $1 each from any Carson High National Honor Society member and the drawing for all four prizes will be held Oct. 31.