Indian Valley NHS earns Character Award of Excellence

For its record of leadership, service and efforts to improve both school and community, the National Honor Society has awarded the Indian Valley High School chapter the Character Award of Excellence.

The NHS, supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, recognized Indian Valley for its annual IVHS Game Show. The event is a live-action trivia contest with buzzers and audience participation through Kahoot!. Between rounds, audience members are selected for mini-games and small prizes, while panelists are introduced with “hype videos” created by friends and staff.

A student subcommittee manages the production, including writing questions, designing promotional materials, organizing games and lighthearted “punishments” for losing panelists, counting votes, creating interactive content and handling ticket sales. Proceeds are donated to community causes. This year’s sales were directed to Cure Starts Now, Inc., in honor of NHS member Evan Davis, who died this spring after a courageous journey with cancer.

“The NHS Chapter Pillar Awards celebrate chapters that truly embody what the National Honor Society stands for—students who don’t just excel academically but actively strengthen their communities,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “The Indian Valley chapter demonstrates how powerful it can be when young leaders channel their talents toward meaningful service and positive change.”

In the school’s award application, Advisor Becky Calvin wrote that the event unites the student body by ensuring everyone has a role. “Students are pulled from the audience, and have an ability to participate in something not restricted by GPA, athletic ability, or academic ability; they’re a student at IVHS, so they are included.”

The NHS Chapter Pillar Awards recognize outstanding chapters across the nation that embody one or more of the organization’s core values: scholarship, leadership, service and character.