NHSDA - National Honor Society for Dance Arts
2024 NHSDA Inductees! Pictured from left to right: Gillian Conk, Lilah Mason, Kathryn Smith, Saige Shoudt, Abbey Stone, Emily Watermsysk, Mia Ciccarelle
2023 NHSDA Members collected items for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey as part of their Period Initiative. A monetary donation was also presented to the organization with fees collected by parents and proceeds from our annual dance concert. Pictured left to right: Emma Fisher, Athena Bernaz, Olivia Mattiola, Caitlin Eswein, Jenna Lee Butler, Mia Cirafesi, Kyla Kinahan, Alicia Ibarra, Madison Corbett. Not pictured: Alyson Atkinson, Caroline Morrow, Marissa Lazovick
2022 NHSDA Members collected approximately 18 large bags of items in support of the United Breast Cancer Foundation. Pictured left to right: Kennedy Rice-Parker, Kyla Kinahan, Lily Levine, Olivia Mattiola, Alyson Atkinson, Rebecca Wolin, Athena Bernaz, Colin Sheeley Not pictured: Mia Cirafesi, Caitlin Eswein, Laura Jacobson
2019 NHSDA Members organized a Food Drive for the Food Bank of Somerset County. Food was collected at the door of their formal dance concert. Also, 25% of admissions proceeds were donated to the Food Bank. Pictured from left to right: Melodee Petrushka, Grace Sellinger, Samantha Regimbal, Jordan Jackson, Carly Paruda, Hannah Winters, Erin Ford, Amanda Osborne, Julia Paolillo, Victoria Petrushka, Maddy Barry, Erica Giurlando, Brianna Bowlby
2018 NHSDA Members Pictured front row left to right: Erin Ford, Grace Sellinger, Hannah Winters, Carly Parauda, Erica Giurlando, Brianna Bowlby, Melodee Petrushka, Samantha Regimbal Pictured back row left to right: Julia Paolillo, Rachel Ambrose, Hannah Roberts, Marissa Miller, Morgan Keegan, Maddy Lee, Elle Smith, Sophia Yankowski, Eleanor Faherty
Through the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) & Dance New Jersey, SCVTHS students (grades 11 &12) may apply for the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. There is a one-time $8 per student induction fee. Separate fees apply for the optional NHSDA Pins and Honor Cords.
NHSDA Secondary Program (grades 9 - 12) Goals
- To promote a desire for life-long learning in the field of dance.
- To encourage an understanding of, and an appreciation for, dance as an art form and develop knowledgeable audiences for tomorrow.
- To identify honor students (grades 11 & 12) for nomination to the NDEO Artistic Merit, Leadership and Academic Achievement Award, one of the highest honor programs for dance in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria for Student Induction
Induction into the NHSDA Secondary Program is earned through the accumulation of 30 points* (one point for every 45 hours) awarded for dance activities such as dance classes, rehearsals, performances, research, workshops, or community service activities, alongside a GPA of at least 3.0. Students should track their points and provide the Chapter Sponsor with a record of points earned through worksheets, portfolios, or other agreed-upon methods. For points earned outside of chapter activities, verification of points earned should be provided to the Chapter Sponsor through playbills, registration forms, photos, or other agreed-upon methods. The Chapter Sponsor will keep a record of points earned on file. In addition, the prospective student's demonstration of collaborative teamwork, motivation, and leadership in the many aspects of dance (e.g., choreography, performance, mentoring, production) are factors in the determination of eligibility for induction.
*Following the SCVTHS curriculum, by the end of junior year (if you enter as a freshman), students will accumulate all 30 points. If you enter after freshman year you are to accumulate points through your dance classes outside of SCVTHS.
NDEO / NHSDA AWARD PROGRAM
Inducted students can apply. Two levels of adjudication: State and National. The award information packet is available in mid-December. Must complete an online application, upload several essays, a headshot, a video, a resume, and a recommendation letter. $25 application fee. Deadline is typical during the third week of February with state-level announcements by the end of March and national announcements by the first week of May.
Please contact Maureen Glennon Clayton, Chapter Sponsor, for more information: mglennon@scvts.net (908) 526-8900 x7175