Rho Kappa, a social studies honors society, is co-sponsored by Mrs. Jennifer Mechling and Mrs. Drema Biron. Elections were held in the schola the last week of September, replacing the entire officer staff from last year. The new officers are: President Kendall White, Vice President Caitlyn Strader, Secretary Viva Phan and Aleena Wierzbic, Treasurer Leah Gutierrez, and Historians Sienna Behar and Megan Bishop.
President Kendall White
Q: What are you most excited about being an officer?
A: The most exciting thing about being an officer is being able to directly influence Rho Kappa’s direction and success this year!! With my role as President, I hope to provide Rho Kappa members with learning opportunities and activities, to broaden people’s mindsets on various aspects of history.
Q: In your opinion, what is the best thing about Rho Kappa?
A: The best thing about being a part of Rho Kappa, is getting to know people of different backgrounds, grade levels, and gender, who all share the same interests in history as you. Being a part of Rho Kappa has helped me gain a deeper interest in different social issues and broadened my mindset on topics not typically discussed in the classroom.
Q: What is your favorite event in history?
A: My favorite event in history has to be the Reconstruction Era, due to the political, cultural, and social changes it brought to society, which are still apparent today!
Q: For anyone who doesn’t know of Rho Kappa and or someone who would want to join, what would you tell them?
A: I would tell them to definitely apply! Rho Kappa is open to all who have an interest in history, and are willing to learn about various topics to expand knowledge and experiences!
Vice President Caitlynn Strader
Q: What are you most excited about being an officer?
A: I’m excited to help Rho Kappa’s community grow and hopefully get lots of new members to join!!
Q: In your opinion, what is the best thing about Rho Kappa?
A: I really like the community. Everyone gets along really well, it’s laid back and offers a fun atmosphere while getting to learn about social studies. Couldn’t ask for anything better.
Q: What is your favorite event in history?
A: My favorite event probably has to be the Russian Revolution. I found it really cool to see how Russia became more industrialized and how the change to communism (albeit failed) led to other countries trying it too, leading to widespread economic issues.
Q: For anyone who doesn’t know of Rho Kappa and or someone who would want to join, what would you tell them?
A: I would tell them that it’s definitely worth it, especially since we get cords this year. It’s fun, not as consuming as a club like SCA or NHS, and you get to learn a lot of cool facts about history.
Secretary Vivia Phan
Q: What are you most excited about being an officer?
A: I am excited to collaborate with my fellow officers to help break the stereotype that social studies is just a bunch of dates and names by fostering an engaging environment.
Q: In your opinion, what is the best thing about Rho Kappa?
A: The best thing about Rho Kappa is getting to interact and learn about the branches of social studies through active workers in our community.
Q: What is your favorite event in history?
A: Michael Jackson’s moonwalk
Q: For anyone who doesn’t know of Rho Kappa and or someone who would want to join, what would you tell them?
A: I would tell them that Rho Kappa is a society that recognizes academic excellence of Social Studies and provides opportunities to get civically involved alongside your peers!
Secretary Aleena Wierzbic
Q: In your opinion, what is the best thing about Rho Kappa?
A: I think the best thing about Rho Kappa is being able to be around a bunch of social studies lovers.
Q: What is your favorite event in history?
A: It’s hard to choose just one event in history to call my favorite, but one of my favorite parts to learn about is World War 2.
Q: For anyone who doesn’t know of Rho Kappa and or someone who would want to join, what would you tell them?
A: Rho Kappa is a great program to be a part of. If you are looking to join an honors society and love social studies, Rho Kappa is the right place for you.
Treasurer Leah Gutierrez
Q: What are you most excited about being an officer?
A: Being involved within the group and helping out the best I can!
Q: In your opinion, what is the best thing about Rho Kappa?
A: The best thing about Rho Kappa is being able to learn about our economic and government world while connecting with people who love social science just like me!
Q: What is your favorite event in history?
A: My favorite event in history is the Renaissance because it was the era of change and creativity.
Q: For anyone who doesn’t know of Rho Kappa and or someone who would want to join, what would you tell them?
A: I would tell them that Rho Kappa is a place to connect with the past and the present, the things we talk about, the guest speakers that come in, and the places we visit gives everyone insight on how to make the world a better place.
Historian Sienna Behar
Q: What are you most excited about being an officer?
A: The opportunity to be more involved in the club and form new connections!
Q: In your opinion, what is the best thing about Rho Kappa?
A: The people!!!
Q: What is your favorite event in history?
A: I’ve always been really intrigued by the American Revolution!
Q: For anyone who doesn’t know of Rho Kappa and or someone who would want to join, what would you tell them?
A: There’s a place for everyone in Rho Kappa! We cover all of the social studies and it’s super easy to find something that interests you!
Historian Megan Bishop
Q: What are you most excited about being an officer?
A: I am most excited to bring awareness to those who don’t know of Rho Kappa and to help those who are aware or already in it get more involved! I’m also looking forward to capturing memorable moments and events which will showcase what we achieve throughout the year.
Q: In your opinion, what is the best thing about Rho Kappa?
A: For me, the best thing about being in Rho Kappa is the opportunity it gives me to connect with others who share some of the same interests. I feel as though history is incredibly important and I’m glad to be a part of a community that feels the same way.
Q: What is your favorite event in history?
A: One of my favorite events in history is the Women’s Suffrage Movement because it represents the power in the fight for equal rights.
Q: For anyone who doesn’t know of Rho Kappa and or someone who would want to join, what would you tell them?
A: I would tell them that Rho Kappa is a place for those who have a love for history and government as well as other related topics. Being part of Rho Kappa gives people the chance to deepen their understanding of history while building skills through our various activities and projects. It’s a way to get involved in the community we are surrounded by and connect with new people.
