Students recognized for outstanding leadership, service, and community impact
The Iola-Scandinavia High School National Honor Society (NHS) chapter in Iola, Wisconsin, has earned national recognition for its exceptional commitment to leadership, service, and positive change within its school and local community.
The award was granted to the Iola-Scandinavia NHS chapter, a group of dedicated student leaders supported by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), which also oversees the National Association of Student Councils.
National Overall Award of Excellence
The chapter received the National Overall Award of Excellence, one of the highest honors given by the NHS. The accolade celebrates chapters that exemplify the organization’s core pillars: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The NHS Chapter Pillar Awards recognize outstanding achievements and contributions to both school and community.
The award was announced this quarter, following a year of notable service initiatives by the chapter. Each quarter, members organize and participate in various community outreach projects.
The activities and service projects are centered in Iola, WI, with efforts extending throughout the local area, including partnerships with organizations, assisted living homes, and local charities.
The chapter’s award-winning efforts include two school-wide community service days supporting various local organizations, a day of service at a nearby assisted living home, and a multi-week fundraising campaign for Old Glory Honor Flight, benefiting local veterans. Individually, members contribute through volunteering at community events, such as the Iola Car Show, assisting at churches, cleaning highways, maintaining trails, supporting food pantries, and helping the Salvation Army.
“The NHS Chapter Pillar Awards celebrate chapters that truly embody what the National Honor Society stands for — students who don’t just excel academically but actively strengthen their communities,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “The Iola-Scandinavia chapter demonstrates how powerful it can be when young leaders channel their talents toward meaningful service and positive change.”
“This award belongs to every single member, past and present, who has put in the time and effort to make a difference,” added Chapter President Maggie Williams. “Year after year, we’ve grown stronger as a chapter, finding new ways to support our school and community. It’s the little things that add up to something bigger and this award just shows the impact and importance we can make when we all work together.”
District Administrator Chris Nelson expressed pride in the chapter’s achievement, noting, “Our NHS students demonstrate that academic excellence paired with genuine community service can create real, positive change. This award reflects the strong values that define Iola-Scandinavia Schools and our commitment to developing student leaders who make a difference.”