National English Honor Society
 

The mission and purposes of this organization shall be literary and educational. NEHS shall strive to

      A. confer distinction upon secondary school students for high achievement in English language and literature;

      B. provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation in secondary school environments;

      C. encourage interest in the English language arts;

      D. promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members; and

The NEHS motto "gelast sceal mid are" is Old English for "duty goes with honor." The motto represents one of the earliest forms of our language--it affirms and celebrates an obligation to use one's gifts in service to others. Service to peers, school, and community are part and parcel of the NEHS mission--and, indeed, in the grammatical structure of the Old English phrase, "duty" actually precedes "honor."