Honor Societies
Recognizing Student Achievements
Immaculate Heart Academy is proud to recognize the academic achievements of our exceptional students. In order to be named to the Honor Roll, students must earn an average of 95 or more to be recognized as a Distinguished Scholar or 90-94 to be awarded Honors.
Additionally, IHA has a number of Honor Societies in which students are invited to become members. Please read below for more information on each honor society as well as tutoring opportunities available by the National Honor Society and Mathematics Honor Society.
National Honor Society
The National Honor Society (NHS) has as its purpose the creation of enthusiasm for scholarship, the stimulation of a desire to render service, the promotion of leadership, and the development of character. NHS is a society composed of juniors and seniors who have been recognized by the faculty and administration for outstanding achievement in four areas: scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Meetings are held on an as-needed basis throughout the year. After-school tutoring for students is a primary responsibility of membership. Moderator: Mrs. Melissa O’Sullivan (mosullivan@ihanj.com)
Please click here to sign up for a NHS tutor and here for more information, including requirements to be considered for NHS.
Mu Alpha Theta, the National Mathematics Honor Society
Mu Alpha Theta, the National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society, was formed in 1957 at the University of Oklahoma. This honor society is dedicated to inspiring a keen interest in mathematics, developing strong scholarship in the subject, and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics in high school and two-year college students. Mu Alpha Theta provides a method for schools to recognize and encourage students who enjoy and excel in mathematics. It organizes a national convention for students and teachers to participate in math-related events and interact with others from across the country. Finally, it rewards outstanding extracurricular achievement by offering special awards, scholarships, and grants to students and their faculty advisers. Moderator: Mrs. Liz Kearns (lkearns@ihanj.com)
Mu Alpha Theta, the Mathematics National Honor Society, offers tutoring for those who might need help in their Mathematics courses. Please click here to request a tutoring appointment or email questions to Madison Les ’26, president of Mu Alpha Theta, at 26lesm@ihanj.com.
Science National Honor Society
The Science National Honor Society (SNHS) is a scientific organization with a mission to engender a new group of young thinkers who will be the future of industry, research, and scientific exploration for America. SNHS strives to encourage and recognize scientific and intellectual thought, advance the students’ knowledge of classical and modern science, communicate with the scientific community, aid the civic community with its comprehension of science, and encourage students to participate in community service and in turn, encourage a dedication to the pursuit of scientific knowledge that benefits all humankind. SNHS is a society composed of juniors and seniors who have been recognized by the faculty and administration for outstanding achievement in the sciences. Meetings are held on a monthly basis throughout the year. Moderators: Mrs. Lauren Tereshko (ltereshko@ihanj.com) and Mrs. Angela Holuba Roberts ’05 (aroberts@ihanj.com)
Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society
Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society is the only national organization for high school juniors and seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of Social Studies. Rho Kappa provides national recognition and opportunities for exploration in social studies. National Council for the Social Studies hopes to encourage an interest in, understanding of, and appreciation for social studies through the creation of Rho Kappa. Immaculate Heart Academy’s Silent Sentinel Chapter was named as such to honor the school’s chapter being founded in 2020, the centenary celebration of women’s right to vote. All academically eligible Juniors and Seniors, who are currently taking a Social Studies course, are eligible for membership. Moderator: TBA
French Honor Society
Students must meet the following requirements based on the last five semesters: All candidates must be enrolled in level IV; have a 90 percent average in French throughout levels I, II, III, and IV; have an 80 percent average minimum grade in all other subject areas; have not failed any mid-term or final exam; and must show a full interest in the French language and culture throughout all of their years of study. Moderator: Mrs. Eileen Ingoglia (eingoglia@ihanj.com)
Italian Honor Society (Maria Montessori Chapter)
In order to be a member of the Italian Language Honor Society, students must be enrolled in Italian IV Honors or AP; maintain a 90 percent average in Italian since freshman year; have an 80 percent average minimum grade in all other subject areas; have not failed any mid-term or final exam; and demonstrate a level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking Italian. Moderator: Mrs. Maria Daly-Valls (mdalyvalls@ihanj.com)
Spanish Honor Society (Reina Sofia Chapter)
In order to be a member of the Spanish Language Honor Society, students must: be enrolled in Spanish IV Honors or AP; maintain a 90 percent average in Spanish since freshman year; have an 80 percent average minimum grade in all other subject areas; have not failed any mid-term or final exam; and demonstrate a level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Moderator: Ms. Ana Echeverria (aecheverria@ihanj.com)
National Art Honor Society
Students are selected for the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) based on their cumulative GPA and grades in each art class. Tenth, eleventh, and twelfth-grade students may apply to the NAHS if they have completed at least one visual art studio course and have an 89 overall GPA. The student must also maintain an average of 92 or above in all studio art courses and demonstrate qualities of character and leadership. Students must demonstrate a commitment to the visual arts program at Immaculate Heart Academy and in the greater community. As such, they are required to attend meetings once a month and must complete art-related service each quarter to maintain status in the NAHS. Moderator: Mrs. Lisa Encke (lencke@ihanj.com)
Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society
Tri-M is the international honor society recognizing music students for their musical ability, academic excellence, school involvement, and community service. At IHA, it represents an opportunity for students to explore their interest in the performance and study of music beyond the classroom. Tri-M selects its members from those who participate and show a true commitment to the school’s music program. This program includes course electives as well as after-school ensembles including Orchestra, Instrumental Chamber Ensembles, Voices (Choir), and Song & Spirit (Liturgical Choir). Members are active in the development of musical activities at the school as well as musical service to schools, churches, and other organizations that serve the community. Moderator: Ms. Lionetti (olionetti@ihanj.com)
International Thespian Society (ITS)
The International Thespian Society (ITS) is an honor society for theater students. Membership in this organization is based on a point system. Students earn those points by participating in IHA or local area school performances, both on and offstage. ITS meets as needed throughout the year. To stay current, members must continue to earn points through onstage and backstage work and earn service hours by working with other groups to help promote the arts. All members must participate, in some way, in the IHA Spring Drama to remain in good standing. Moderator: Ms. Elizabeth Scully ’15 (escully@ihanj.com)