With over 90 unique clubs on the West Ranch campus, it is easy for students to get overwhelmed with the vast diversity of choices. Luckily, each club is uniquely catered towards students with specific interests. West Ranch Science National Honors Society (SNHS) is one of many organizations on campus that Wildcats might find interesting to pursue.
SNHS encourages members to engage in community service activities focused on science. With over 1000 chapters across America, SNHS was first founded in 2000; however, the chapter at West Ranch was only opened at the beginning of this school year by SNHS President sophomore Owen Hess.
When asked what he believed was the purpose of SNHS, Hess shared, “[We want] to foster a community of people who all have a passion for something related to science, not necessarily biology or chemistry, but computer science, medicine, engineering and all things involving STEM.”
Sophomore Kirsten Cailee Luna vocalized her excitement for being a part of the SNHS club: “It’s really interesting to be a part of the first ever chapter and build the foundation for what’s going to happen in the future of SNHS.”
Hess reminisced on the science fairs he participated in at Pico Canyon Elementary School, emphasizing his sadness when he learned that Pico Canyon no longer offers that activity to their students. This inspired Hess to open the new SNHS chapter, with hopes to conduct an annual science fair for students at local elementary schools in Santa Clarita, such as Pico Canyon.
As a first time club president, Hess is still experiencing the beginning stages of opening a club. He described the goals he holds for this school year alone, specifically focusing on hosting monthly meetings and exploring the limits and potential of the club to set the stage for future years. Hess plans on coordinating with elementary schools and begin the early stages of holding science fairs, as well as earn money to provide SNHS graduation cords for graduating members.
“I feel pretty excited because it’s good to make a difference in the community and hopefully some kids will be interested and pursue science in the future because of our work in SNHS,” Luna expressed when asked about her thoughts on SNHS’s impact within the community.
“If you want to put in the work to the community and […] truly experience leadership and implementing STEM into our community of Santa Clarita, this would be a really good club for you,” Hess explained, encouraging future members to join and emphasizing its benefits on college applications or resumes.
With an exciting kick-off to the new chapter of SNHS, Hess shared his enthusiasm for the future of the club and invited any students interested in science and STEM-based careers to join. Cats, be on the lookout for the exciting, upcoming activities that SNHS will be hosting throughout our community!
