The Sage Informer

At Monticello High School, the National Honor Society isn’t just an academic honor—it’s a platform for student leaders to bring ideas to life and make meaningful contributions to their community.

For senior Aliyah Ellison, one of the most memorable moments in NHS came while preparing for the school’s Santa Samba winter dance. “We had music playing while we decorated the gym, and it was such a fun environment,” she recalled. “It felt like we were really doing something special for the school.”

She believes that events like Santa Samba are part of what makes MHS unique. “To me, MHS makes a difference by offering fun, new opportunities for students,” Aliyah said. “It gives students a chance to come together and enjoy something we helped create.”

Aliyah credits NHS with helping her grow into a stronger leader. “NHS gave me the chance to bring new ideas to life—like the winter dance—things that had always been talked about but never actually done,” she said. “It showed me that leadership means taking initiative and making a difference.”

Fellow senior Megan Allen shares that sentiment and has also used her time in NHS to take action in the community. “Being part of NHS is pretty great,” she said. “It’s low commitment but a great way to connect with like-minded peers. This winter, I had the opportunity to start a new fundraiser from scratch, which gave me another way to give back.”

That fundraiser—part of a larger effort connected to Santa Samba—included collecting donations at sporting events and running a homeroom competition. All the proceeds went toward creating holiday food baskets for families in need in Monticello.

“The best part was creating the food baskets and hand-delivering them,” Megan said. “With the money from the dance and food donations, we were able to provide everything from essentials to sweets. It was really rewarding to know we made a difference for those families.”

Megan sees NHS as a group with powerful potential. “NHS is a collection of MHS’s best and brightest,” she said. “We have the ability to make real positive change in our community. I hope future students continue the winter food drive and find even more ways to serve.”

Leadership, Megan added, comes with responsibility. “Being part of NHS encourages me to keep looking for ways to lead and have a positive impact,” she said. “If I’m going to be put on that pedestal, I better earn it.”

Both students feel that NHS’s core values—scholarship, leadership, service, and character—align with their personal beliefs and goals. “I feel strongly that leaving a positive impact is one of life’s biggest purposes,” Megan said. “I’ve captained teams, led fundraisers, and worked to grow as a person. I can only hope my impact has been felt in a positive way.”

As their time at MHS winds down, Aliyah and Megan have left a legacy of leadership, creativity, and compassion. Thanks to students like them, NHS continues to be a force for good—both within the school and beyond its walls.

Ava Bodine, Staff writer 

bodav25@sages.us