An organization by the name of Honor Society has been reaching out to students through email, inviting them to join.

The organization, similar in both name and logo to National Honor Society, provides a multitude of benefits that cost, at minimum, $65 semi-annually.

With only one word differing the two names, and logos both featuring flaming torches,there is possibility for confusion between the two organizations.

However, students can differentiate the two by knowing Lafayette’s branch of NHS’s recruitment process.

“Students usually receive an email inviting them to apply by the end of the second full week of classes,” NHS sponsor Brian Fish said. “Usually students find out if they met the criteria to be invited to join by the middle of Oct. with the induction ceremony taking place on Nov. 8.”

College and Career Counselor Sarah Hicks has never had this organization brought to her attention, although she’s had experience with similar situations.

“We tell students and families to be mindful and do their research. If the organization is offering experiences like camps, workshops or college campus stays, that may be beneficial in helping students find a career to study or a way to introduce them to college campus life. If the group is just offering their name as a resume booster and it costs money, [it’s] not worth it” Hicks said.

Fish has also never heard of Honor Society, but after exploring the organization’s website, believes that it lacks the prestige held by NHS

“I sincerely feel like it is more of an honor to be recognized in our school community and be able to demonstrate their outstanding qualities serving our school, local, and regional communities,” Fish said.

Honor Society offers a variety of other benefits besides their name, including traveling with the organization, scholarship website discounts, select restaurant discounts and much more.

While a member of Honor Society may receive these benefits, there is no guarantee that their membership will provide any incentive to college admissions.

“Colleges want to see what students have been involved in with clubs and activities so unless a student is invested in an organization/program like this, it’s not going to benefit them when it comes to college admissions,” Hicks said.

Student Publications reached out to both National Honor Society and Honor Society organizations through email and phone but received no response following the interview request.

This story was originally published on The Lancer Feed on August 22, 2023.