A parent of a Salem Community High School student who was not inducted into the National Honor Society after failing to qualify under ‘character’ asked for a review of the process at Monday night’s SCHS Board meeting.
Micah Puricelli said his son Scout was blindsided to learn some teachers had concerns about his character and none had ever shared those thoughts with Scout so corrective actions could be taken. He asked the school board to review the guidelines for selection.
“I genuinely believe we all share the same goal of helping students become responsible, capable, and principled adults,” Puricelli said. “A fair process should protect the integrity of the NHS selection, while also supporting the character development that that organization is intended to recognize. Students should be evaluated against clear expectations, and significant negative assessments should be supported by specific, relative information rather than vague impressions.”
School Board President Eric Bandy said the school board would look at the situation and determine if any changes need to be made. He agreed to let Puricelli know the outcome of the review.
A group of five teachers review applications to become a member of the National Honor Society with other staff allowed to give their input.
