Members of the Tryon Elementary National Honor Society

  • Principal NaKishia Glenn (left) and school counselor LaSandra Robinson with student leaders at Tryon Elementary School.

  • SERVICE-MINDED STUDENT LEADERS:

    Tryon Elementary School launches National Elementary Honor Society

    When LaSandra Robinson started her job as the school counselor at Tryon Elementary School in August, she had one main goal: To create higher morale among students.  She knew the best way to do that was through creating new clubs and activities to get students involved and excited about learning and helping in their community. 

    She started out with three objectives: To begin a Triple A Safety Patrol, organize a Student Council Advisory, and get Tryon Elementary School recognized as the first elementary school in Gaston County with a National Elementary Honor Society. Accomplishing all three in the first semester of school, Robinson is especially proud of the National Elementary Honor Society. 

    To qualify for the National Elementary Honor Society, students have to earn their spot based on grades, teacher recommendations, and a packet of information they had to fill out about why they wanted to be a part of the club. In all, 28 students were selected. 

    “Each of these students are leaders in their own right,” Robinson said. “They’re very service-minded and a good bunch of kids. I’m so proud of the things they’re doing in our school and our community.” 

    The students in the National Elementary Honor Society have been responsible for organizing recognition programs for each grade level. They have worked closely with the student council – some students on the student council cabinet are a part of both clubs – to organize a canned food drive and hold student council elections.

    “We have a great team of supportive staff here at Tryon,” Robinson said. “We have an awesome principal in Ms. NaKishia Glenn, and Ms. Ansley Taylor has been a massive help in advising our student council. They make our kids feel important, and that’s really helped boost morale in our school.”

    What the students have to say
    The student council cabinet members sat down to discuss being inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society and what they love about being a part of something special that Tryon has never had before. 

    Jameson Patterson, President
    Fifth grade; wants to be an aerospace engineer

    “Being a part of the National Elementary Honor Society makes me feel proud of myself – that I am a part of something so great. It’s really exciting that we’re the ones who have it at Tryon, and it’s an honor that we’re doing something special here. We’re able to help our school and the county, too.”

    Isaac Adams, Vice President
    Fourth grade; wants to be an NBA player

    “During our induction ceremony, we had to get up in front of a lot of people and we got a certificate and a pin. I was nervous, but excited, too. It makes me feel special that I’m a part of something that not everyone gets to do.”

    Sophia CaraBallo, Public Relations Manager
    Fifth grade; wants to be a marine biologist

    “When we ran for cabinet, we had to write 2-3 sentences on why you wanted to be elected. I worked really hard for this and have been told I’m a good leader. Something like this looks good when you keep it going through high school. It could help you get a scholarship in college.”

    Masiah Ferguson, Historian
    Fifth grade; wants to be a kinesiologist

    “It makes me feel good that I’m being noticed because I work hard academically and I behave. I want other students to feel recognized and a part of something important, which is why we came up with our ‘of the month’ programs for each grade level. Everyone should be recognized for their hard work.”