You don’t know how to do some things until you try. Alyssa Williamson, a senior at Martin County West, decided to try and was recently named a National Honor Society National Semi-Finalist & Scholar for her effort.

Williamson explained the process and what it means for her future.

“I learned about this scholarship in November when Mrs. Rode Mulder, our National Honor Society adviser, sent out an email with information regarding the scholarship,” she said. “Only one student from each chapter was allowed to apply. I wrote an essay about all of my experiences within the Martin County West National Honor Society Chapter and how it has helped shape me as a person and increased my participation in volunteering in my community to help others.”

The National Honor Society Scholarship program has been in place since 1946, with more than $15 million in scholarships awarded to outstanding NHS senior members. Williamson is one of 13 Minnesota students to receive a $3,200 scholarship.

She noted how past activities and school involvement have helped lead her up to now.

“I have been a member of the Martin County West National Honor Society for the past two years,” she said. “It is a membership that requires an application, written essay and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above.

“The membership highlights academic excellence, community volunteering and group collaboration. Through the program, I was able to help other students as a peer tutor, contribute to saving lives as a blood drive assistant and plan transition day activities for new students.”

As far as the future, Williamson is not content to stay idle but plans to keep as busy as ever in pursuit of her goals.

“I plan to attend Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, to continue my education and play basketball,” she said. “My major is currently undetermined but I am considering education, pre-law and business. I look forward to continuing to use the four pillars of National Honor Society including service, leadership, character and scholarship as I advance to my post-secondary education.”