Madeline Carpenter stands out as a remarkable student and leader at LRHS. Her perseverance and determination are inspiring to her peers. As the newly elected president of the National Honor Society (NHS), Carpenter is focused on enhancing member engagement and support within the organization.

Goals as NHS President

One of Carpenter’s main objectives this year is to increase member activity within the NHS. “Being the president of a large honor society means that you’re not necessarily connecting personally with a lot of your members… causing more members to not attend meetings, submit hours, etc,” said Carpenter, senior.”

To combat this, Carpenter has emphasized the importance of supporting each member’s success, believing that when individuals thrive, the entire organization flourishes.

To achieve her goals, Carpenter has implemented several strategies. 

First, she has revitalized the NHS Instagram account, understanding that social media is a crucial communication tool in today’s digital age. “By creating simple posts and using links in our bio, it makes completing honor society tasks easier than ever, and more accessible to those on their phones” said Carpenter.

Additionally, she has enhanced the hours confirmation sheet, providing clear guidelines on what counts as service hours. She is also always open and willing to answer any questions that members may have.

Carpenter has found a sense of purpose in her role as NHS President; particularly in developing leadership skills that extend beyond high school. 

She values the opportunity to improve her communication and organizational skills — essential factors for future academic and career pursuits. 

Volunteering and Community Service

Carpenter’s commitment to service is evident through her extensive volunteer work. 

She dedicates her time to various organizations, including LRMS, as Head Choreographer for the school’s musicals; the NC Food Bank, and York Elementary School, where she tutors students.

Her passion for helping others is clear, as she has been involved in these initiatives since the beginning of high school.

One of her most cherished experiences this year was choreographing a dance for a performance at a Duke University Women’s Basketball Game.

Collaborating with her co-choreographer, Carrie Dotson, Carpenter created a dynamic routine that combined multiple hip-hop songs, a project she had dreamed of since middle school.

“It has definitely been one of my favorite things to be a part of, and I seriously cannot wait to watch all of my little dancers shine on the court on January 15,” said Carpenter.

Dance Contributions

In addition to her NHS responsibilities, Carpenter plays a crucial role in the LRHS Dance Team. 

She has choreographed several routines, including sideline dances and a hip-hop piece for basketball games. Her leadership extends to teaching new team members, ensuring they feel confident and prepared. 

In particular, she, along with Hannah Allen and Abby Coughlin, choreographed a dance that will be performed on the team’s trip to Disney World. “I’m so excited to see the piece come to life,” said Carpenter.

Carpenter is also a member of the Dance Ensemble. Carpenter has had the opportunity to choreograph a small group piece titled “To Anyone.” This experience allowed her to express herself creatively, pushing her out of her comfort zone while collaborating with talented dancers. 

The piece, set to Lorde’s “David,” was a reflection of her artistic vision and personal growth. 

“Truly, seeing my dance on stage was like seeing a piece of my heart, knowing that it was truly and authentically me! It was everything I love about dance, and I’m so glad I had the chance to share it,” said Carpenter.

Involvement in Other Honor Societies

Carpenter is not only committed to the NHS, but she is also an active member of several other honor societies, including the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA), Science National Honor Society (SNHS), Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honors Society), and the National English Honor Society (NEHS). 

Her involvement in these organizations showcases her diverse interests and dedication to academic excellence.

Through her roles in Mu Alpha Theta and SNHS, Carpenter finds joy in tutoring peers. 

She appreciates the opportunity to clarify difficult concepts for students, helping them gain confidence in their abilities. 

Her empathy and understanding have created a supportive environment where the tutoring experience is rewarding for both her and her students.

Recognition

Carpenter’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. Her commitment to community service and dedication to create a positive impact have consistently earned the Presidential Bronze Service Award throughout her high school years.

Carpenter exemplifies the qualities of an academic weapon—balancing leadership, service, and creativity. Her initiatives in the NHS and her extensive volunteer work highlight her commitment to her community and personal growth, making her an inspiring figure among her peers.