Jill Barton ’12, Kristin Greenwood ’12
During chapel on Wednesday, October 25, ten juniors were inducted into the Robert Bishop English Honors Society, Episcopal’s chapter of the National English Honors Society. The Episcopal chapter was created two years ago in order to honor Robert Bishop, to recognize students who have demonstrated excellence in English, and to encourage its members to serve the community.
The National English Honors Society was founded in 2004 with the goal of recognizing on a national level high school students who exhibit academic excellence in English and use their talents in the service of others.
Lee Billmyer, member of the English Department and faculty-advisor for the Robert Bishop English Honors Society, said “the impetus [for starting the Robert Bishop English Honors Society] was to do something in honor of the beloved Mr. Bishop, long-time teacher at EA, and to promote a love of literature and service of others.”
In order to be inducted into the society, students must have an “A” average in their English classes. Ten VI Form members of the Society were inducted into the society last fall.
This year, members of the Bishop Honors Society read to Episcopal Lower School students once every twelve-day rotation. “It’s a good thing because people are beginning to recognize our club… We’re making a positive influence on our environment by helping the Lower Schoolers,” said Emily Baturka ’12, a member of the Robert Bishop English Honors Society.
Kira Nakahara ’12, also a member of the society, said, “Last year, the club had trouble with ideas because there was no funding. By reading to the lower school students, the society can connect to the community but there is no funding necessary.”
“[Members] will also be going to see ‘Museum,’ a play about art aficionados, at the Villanova Theater in February… and another one of our goals is to have a bulletin board to promote a love of reading, authors, and poets,” said Billmyer.