Robert D. Stethem Educational Center’s National Technical Honors Society (NTHS) was
recently honored on the national level for its dedication and commitment to establishing a strong
foundation of excellence within the chapter. Stethem’s NTHS received the Foundational Chapter
Award through the national society being one of 16 other recipients of the award in the nation.
“We are grateful and honored to receive this chapter award,” Monique Poole, NTHS
advisor at the school, said. “We are striving for greatness, and it makes us feel we are on the right
path. Thank you to everyone, school based and on the board level, that continues to support us.”
As the NTHS advisor, Poole builds relationships with students and assists with the
development of new leaders in the school and communities. “I also love working with NTHS
because they provide an excellent framework for achievement and tools to further develop our
scholars,” she said. Each year in the winter, the school hosts its induction ceremony which
happens to be one of Poole’s favorite parts of the year. “We have the opportunity each year to
acknowledge our staff and community for their contributions,” Poole said. “I am most proud of
the leadership that is continuously demonstrated by our scholars. We have high expectations, but
in turn, we provide the support needed to exceed them,” she said.
Makaila Lowe, rising senior and president of NTHS at Stethem, believes that the center’s
chapter received the award because of the community service that it does. “Also, giving back and
making an impact on the community and working with different partner agencies is why we
received the award,” she said.
Along with Poole, Lowe’s favorite part of being in the society is the induction ceremony.
“It was so special,” Lowe said. “I looked up the seniors and enjoyed receiving my certificate.”
Poole received an award this past year for her involvement in the society on the national
level. With this being the second award this year that Stethem has received, Poole and Lowe are
excited for what next year has to offer. They want to see more student involvement in the society
along with new community service opportunities and partnerships.
“This class is way more timid than other classes, but they are watchers,” Poole said about
the 2024-2025 NTHS members. “They look at those before them and are proactive in their
approach.” She would like to see the group more active on social media and have more exposure
entering this next year. “NTHS is an amazing organization, and the awards are helping us get
noticed but it’s not about the award but the recognition of our students,” Poole said.