On September 25, the Computer Science Honor Society (CSHS), managed by Communications and Technology teacher Deanna Woodlief, held their first meeting of the school year. St. Thomas High School offers a selection of 45+ clubs and organizations to its students, and each year, the Computer Science Honor Society draws a crowd.

The Honor Society is an achievement-based organization. Students must take an AP computer course to apply, and their acceptance is contingent upon their GPA, Dean’s Office standing, and their responses to a Computer Science questionnaire.

“You don’t have to be a master coder,” John Simoneaux (’25), the organization’s president said. “I would tell people not to be intimidated to join. I would say it’s good to take a step to improve instead of being scared to start.”

At this year’s first meeting, students introduced themselves, sharing their name, grade level, and amount of computer science experience.

“We have a lot of new people joining the organization, which is good,” organization officer Zacariah Hart (’26) said. “We have younger people joining and a variety of perspectives, too, which makes it very interesting.”

The first meeting also introduced members to the organization’s service projects. The group participates in service throughout the year, teaching at coding camps for elementary and middle school students and tutoring other STH students in Computer Science. The coding camps, which include developmentally appropriate curricula for young children to learn the basics of coding, are a particular favorite of the CSHS members.

“It’s always great to see how creative and curious the kids are,” Simoneaux said.

Beyond service projects, the organization serves as a platform for personal growth and leadership development.

“Teaching somebody else helps to further your own understanding of the topic,” Hart said. “It helps us be more well-learned about the topic and know basic concepts better, which will help us whenever we’re doing coding assignments. Anything that helps you get more engaged in the subject is beneficial.”

The St. Thomas Chapter of the Computer Science Honor Society strives to uphold the Mission of the school – Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge – with an emphasis on the Honor Society’s Core Values – Equity, Service and Excellence. The organization also builds on the school’s vision statement – creating a life-long learner who thinks critically, communicates effectively, and prepares thoroughly to excel in college and in life.

“The service projects teach a lot of patience,” Henry Goetz, an organization officer, said. “Coding also helps your thinking. The process for coding requires that you go step-by-step through things and map out what you do, so it helps you plan and think ahead.”

As members continue their participation in the Computer Science Honor Society throughout the year, they hope to enhance their own knowledge and inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts.

Article by Sarah Jane Lasley