Have you ever heard of NAHS, the National Arts Honor Society?
No, not the National Honor Society, which is often confused with that. NAHS is for higher-level art students or anyone looking to express their creative side and spread their skills to the school.
This club lets upperclassmen express themselves artistically and make a difference for our school. But this club is lesser-known compared to others, a hidden opportunity for artists of Wyoming High School.
NAHS started in the old building, Rogers High School, where it originated first with Ms. Duffield and now Ms. Lawson. Ms. Duffield did not have the intention of bringing NAHS to the high school at first. “Technically, I started it off as an art club after school,” she said, “and then National Arts Honors Society became a thing.”
She also took note of the activities they used to do. “We used to have a big art show at the library too, which was K-12 art shows that they would help get ready and hang up things,” Duffield said, “community events like art shows.”
Now that Ms. Lawson is a newer teacher, and is the one holding the club currently, she thinks she can contribute new ideas and projects. “Passing it on to a new teacher brings a new perspective,” she explained.
Both art teachers in the high school are adamant about that no matter your skill or talent level, you can participate in this club. Technically, it is a higher-level art club, that should not stop anyone interested in art from joining. “Anyone involved in an art club or an art class can grow their skill as long as they dedicate the time to it and apply themselves to a club like NAHS,” she said/
Students do not need to be Picasso-level artists to join, they only need a willingness to try new things.
If a chill environment is not incentive enough for you, members can be eligible to get a cord for graduation, if they participate in the club and put in at least eight hours of volunteering time.
“People have downplayed the importance of art, and because of that people don’t see the value of NAHS as much as they do in other clubs,” said Ms. Duffield.
So to battle this, this year the club is stressing the importance of why Wyoming, and other high schools, should have an opportunity like NAHS.
“NAHS is a separate setting where students can create art without feeling like they have to meet a standard,” explained Ms. Lawson. “That is why it is crucial Wyoming students have an art club because there they can work at their own pace, while also being surrounded by others that want to create collectively. All in all, NAHS “is a super positive experience that extends beyond the classroom.”