The National Honors Society is a well-known club throughout the school because of the community service in which they participate. They hold events and fundraisers that benefit the community. They recently held the annual Walk for the Homeless on Sept 30, where students who participated donated $20 each in order to walk.
In Montgomery County, one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, there are over 1,100 homeless people: 638 adult individuals,159 families and 103 unsheltered teens. According to the 2011 census, the number of poor children in Montgomery County doubled over the last two years. “The purpose of the walk was to be able to provide money for housing and supplies for the homeless”, co-sponsor Jennifer Bauer said.
According to SteppingStonesShelter.org there are more students in Montgomery County Public Schools eligible for free and reduced meals than there are students in the entire D.C. public school system. The Montgomery County School System will make arrangements to accommodate homeless children.
This year ,the walk was supposed to be outside, but since it was raining the walk was held in the gym. Almost every member of the NHS participated, as well other students who wanted to donate. In total,the club raised over $2,000, helping 300 kids out of homelessness. “It’s great awareness and it’s nice to actually be able to donate a lot of money towards this issue”, co-sponsor Anne-Marie Steppling said.
Everyone who participated walked eight laps around the gym. Funds raised from the walk will support programs at Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH), a local nonprofit that provides solutions to end homelessness for families and single adults in Montgomery County.
Their vision is to build a community where everyone has a safe, stable and affordable place to call home.

Catalina Escalante

Staff Writer