In some of the prominent community service clubs and honor societies and Langley, the officer selection procedures are extremely unfair. For example, Spanish Honor Society positions are chosen not by democratic elections, but by the honor society teacher sponsors. Even though all of the students in the SHS are extremely qualified to make good choices, having had to meet a series of academic requirements, fill out a lengthy application, and spend an hour each quarter tutoring, they are not given a say in who their leaders will be the following year.  

Instead, the Spanish Honor Society sponsors appoint the new leaders based on an essay, several teacher recommendations, and a speech by each candidate. However, the lack of student input on the decisions is causing some tension among members. 

“Since the students can’t even cast a ballot, it really isn’t a fair election anymore,” said an anonymous Spanish Honor Society member.  “It isn’t a democratic process.”

Other students question if the teacher sponsors can be as socially qualified to base their decision.

“Teachers may not have as good of a feel for the students, how they are socially and how well they interact with others,” said senior Chloe Saddler.

In order to keep the selection process from becoming a popularity contest, the Spanish Honor Society sponsors choose based on merit and achievement.  Candidates submit a separate essay and several teacher recommendations, while maintaining a steady 3.5 or higher in Spanish.

Honor societies consist only of students who display a tremendous amount of achievement, dedication, and hard work, so aren’t these students qualified enough to choose their own leaders?