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The Future of the NHS & NJHS National Conference Program
The following text was presented to the delegates attending the 2008 National Conference. It is presented here as a means of sharing this important information with all chapters.
"Since 1993, students and advisers have gathered at our fall meeting to share ideas, learn new skills, and celebrate the meaning and value of the Honor Societies. Many of your schools have regularly participated in and contributed to this conference, and for that support we continue to express our heartfelt appreciation and respect.
Many people have contributed to the growth and development of this conference. We value the work of Tammy Wightman, Elancia Felder, and the many additional staff at NASSP for their efforts to bring this conference to you. We could not have provided this conference without the capable assistance of Jackie Burch, Ann Postlewaite, Beverly Waddell, Don Gates, Les Anderson, our many other state association leaders, and of course all of our presenters and organizers from around the country. This meeting has strengthened the meaning and image of the Honor Societies in the eyes of not only our member chapters, but also their principals and the many external supporters who have leant their generous support, including Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Theta Kappa, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Herff Jones. To all of these staff and supporters, NASSP wishes to say thank you for your time and energy to make this event possible.
It has been noted, however, that for this conference to be financially viable, an audience of at least 1,000 delegates is needed—and for the past five years or more, we have not met that goal, resulting in financial losses for the association. Put quite frankly, this condition cannot continue. The recent increases in energy costs for transportation and local school systems, along with the general economic declines of 2008, have caused many school systems to tighten their budgets and otherwise limit student travel. Combined with a greater emphasis on instructional time often to the detriment of important and valuable field trips, it has been even more difficult to reach our attendance goals for this conference. We don't anticipate this situation improving in the foreseeable future. After careful consideration, it has been decided to discontinue the NHS & NJHS National Conference.
Looking to the future, please rest assured that the overall condition of the Honor Societies as the nation's oldest, largest, and most prestigious student recognition programs is sound, in fact it is stronger today than at any point in our history. We will continue to provide regular, high quality service to all 23,000 chapters through the Honor Society Web sites, and other services, programs, and publications. We will strive to bring a new vision to further strengthen the Honor Societies and their important roles of recognizing the nation's most outstanding young people and engaging them in meaningful leadership development and service to their schools and communities, strengthening the character and citizenship of youth along the way. These are the purposes with which the Honor Societies were formed; these will continue as our guides for the future."
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