Atkins Students Inducted into National Technical Honor Society

By Johnathan Plaster

Atkins Academic & Technology High School

In a ceremony held in the Atkins HS Auditorium on the evening of Thursday, November 29, the first 42 members from the school were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. This prestigious organization recognizes academic excellence among students in technical areas such as the STEM majors at Atkins: Biomedical Technology, Biotechnology, Health Science, Scientific Visualization, Game Design, Engineering, or Digital Media.  

“It is a great honor for so many of our students to be recognized,” said faculty advisor Sonya Rexrode. The criteria was an unweighted 3.5 GPA, no discipline referrals, and a completer course with a focus on one of the Atkins STEM majors.

“I feel really excited to be recognized,” said senior Trinity Shuford. “This is a great opportunity and I think it will help with scholarship opportunities. I’m glad that Atkins has a chapter, because most schools don’t.” Shuford is a Digital Media major at Atkins, and will pursue a career in either web development or as a graphic designer.

The IT field in the US is still predominantly male-dominated, with only 34 percent of web developers being female. Shuford said, “It won’t bother me a bit if I’m the only female. I’ll just go about my job and perform it the best I can regardless.” In comparison, nearly half of this year’s inductees to the Atkins NTHS are female. “It feels good to get it started on such a great tone,” added inductee Aniah McManus, who will pursue a career in the field of medicine.

During the ceremony, candles represented each of the member qualities held in esteem by the organization: knowledge, skill, service, responsibility, honesty, scholarship, citizenship, and leadership. The goal of the National Technical Honor Society is to see that deserving technical students be recognized and that people of the community become aware of the talents and abilities of the young people and adults who choose technical education pathways to a successful future.

The mission of NTHS is to honor student achievement and leadership in career and technical education, promote educational excellence, award scholarships, and enhance career opportunities. Its vision is to be the international leader in providing recognition for excellence in career and technical education.

For  the list of students inducted go to Atkins.