Words, words, words…

Stanwood Chapter National English Honors Society 2009-10: (left to right, back row) Breeann Schafer, Elizabeth Gibbs, Evan Jones, Aleah Bergeson, Brynna Bodle, Kevin Gallagher, Kory Pattison, Jeff Tasky, (front row) Taryn Martin, Madison Davis and Tyler Miller. Not pictured: Jenna Christopher, Lynell Murray and Kira Spane. Stanwood High School students interested in the arts have a new outlet.

Fifteen students joined the Stanwood chapter of the National English Honors Society (NEHS) at a recent induction ceremony.

The first of its kind in Washington, the newest NEHS chapter formed to “give English students an opportunity to be recognized in activities they enjoy,” said Ella Blackwood, advisor.

“Students also have the opportunity to compete for national scholarships and provide community service,” she added.

To become a member, students are required to maintain a 3.0 overall GPA and obtain two letters of recommendation from English teachers.

Society member Elizabeth Gibbs joined to foster her passion for writing.

“I am excited to participate in a school sponsored activity to do with English,” said Gibbs. “I am also looking forward to be involved in the community with something I love.”

The budding fiction writer filled her summer vacation by authoring a 380-page novel.

The society aims to nurture students in various disciplines of English, said Blackwood. It’s a good thing for lovers of literature as well.

Monthly activities include, viewing movies and plays to participating in poetry slams and spoken word competitions, are being planned. Talks of an online literature magazine and Web site are already in the works. The society also intends to work with students in the Young Author Program at Port Susan Middle School to promote English studies in the younger grades.

NEHS Stanwood chapter elected officials are Madison Davis, president; Tyler Miller, vice president; Brynna Bodle, secretary; and Evan Jones, treasurer.

For more information, contact Ella Blackwood at 629-1300 ext. 2223 or eblackwood@stanwood. wednet.edu.

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.