As the new school year begins, the Spanish Honor Society at Chisholm Trail High School has big plans.

Last year, the group made history by becoming the first Spanish Honor Society in EMS ISD.

“I felt honored since we were the first group," said Juliana Moreno, an inaugural member. 

21 students were inducted into the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica in a formal ceremony last spring that included each student lighting a candle to symbolize their inclusion in the exclusive group.

“Being a part of this first group of students in the Spanish Honor Society, along with serving as the first president, has provided me with a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills as we work together to build foundations and our legacy at Chisholm Trail High School," said Chase Phongsavath, the organizations first president.

To receive an invitation into the honor society, students must maintain a grade of 90 or higher in at least three semesters of Spanish.

The idea came from Spanish teacher and society sponsor Fabiola Valdez, who was surprised to find out there wasn't already a Spanish Honor Society at CTHS.

“I think it looks great on their portfolio, and we’re service based so students can use their Spanish and give back to the community,” Valdez said.

That giving back is a large part of the legacy the group is building.

"'I hope that Spanish Honor Society members will be seen as active members of the school and make the school and community a better place," said Natalie Napier, a society member.

Additionally, being a part of the Spanish Honor Society allows students to earn scholarships from the national office, gives students the opportunity to travel abroad in their junior year and at graduation students can wear a special stoll indicating their inclusion in the society.

Valdez hopes those incentives will encourage more students to further their Spanish studies, including taking AP Spanish and earning college credit, and become a part of the society.

Already the group is planning for how to make year two even bigger and better. That will include more initiatives around the school, and more events in the community that leave a positive impression and raise the group's profile in the year, and years, to come.

"Other generations in our school will look at us and hopefully we can inspire them,” Moreno said.

We are #EMSproud of the inaugural members of the Spanish Honor Society at Chisholm Trail High School, and are excited to see the legacy they will leave on their school.