Reston, VA—The National Honor Society (NHS) is excited to announce that this school year it is giving $2 Million away in scholarships to 600 NHS students. The NHS Scholarship program is supported by NHS’s parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
“I am humbled to recognize these outstanding student leaders for the tremendous work they’ve done for their communities,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “We hope that honoring their hard work will inspire others to rise to the challenges of the moment. Their ability and resilience to persevere in the face of uncertainty bodes well for our future.”
The scholarships recognize students who demonstrate support of the four pillars of NHS membership: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. One national winner will receive $25,000, while 24 finalists each earn a $5,625 scholarship. In addition, 575 semifinalists will receive $3,200 scholarships. For the first time ever, NASSP is bringing the finalists together, with their NHS student advisers, and announcing the national winner at a gala on the evening of April 25.
Pooja Muthuraj (Henrico); Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School; Richmond, VA
When Pooja Muthuraj learned about how some girls lack access to menstrual hygiene products, she established a local chapter of PERIOD, an international organization dedicated to ending period poverty and stigma around the world. Through this organization, Pooja and other students lobbied for two statewide bills mandating that public schools provide free period products in their restrooms, and both bills passed in March 2020. Pooja also co-founded her own nonprofit, Teen Polytx, which seeks to bridge divides between high school students from different sides of the political aisle by fostering communication and encouraging conversations about pressing societal issues. Through this group, she moderates monthly discussions open to high school students from across the state, and the organization has connected over 60 high school students through meaningful discourse.
Pooja and her advisor, Dr. Rachel Loving, will travel to Washington, DC for the gala announcement of the national winner on April 25.
Congratulations also go to Isabella Lee (Chesterfield) and Bryce Pardo (Henrico), who each received NHS scholarships of $3,200 as semifinalists.
