National Honor Society

MFL MarMac High School operates the Blanche Sherman Chapter of the National Honor Society. The former Monona High School was granted Charter Number 2078 on June 5, 1938 by the National Council. Today our charter is renewed yearly under the MFL MarMac designation.  It is our ongoing goal to maintain high expectations in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character.  We expect our members to be outstanding examples to their peers in order to create a climate of excellence within our high school.

The Blanche Sherman Chapter of the National Honor Society was organized by the faculty of MFL High School in 1965. Because of lifelong dedication to education and students the faculty chose to honor Miss Sherman by naming the chapter after her.

Miss Sherman was a Monona native born September 24, 1886. She graduated from Monona High School in 1903. In 1908 she graduated from Upper Iowa University with a BA degree. She continued her education doing graduate work at Chicago University and University of Iowa.

She taught English, dramatics and was the principal at Randolph, Iowa, from 1908-1910.  She returned to Monona High School in 1911 and served as principal and taught English, Latin and dramatics until 1928. She also served as librarian.

Earlier in her life, she contracted polio. After suffering a number of fractures, she retired from teaching, and in 1934, became the librarian for the Monona Public Library. She served in this position until 1968 when her health dictated her retirement.

Miss Sherman was an active member of many organizations directly related to her lifelong work with education, libraries, poetry, and church. Through the Monona Woman’s Club she helped compile the first history records. In 1961 she was listed in Who’s Who of American Women. In 1963 she was listed in the Dictionary of International Biography.  Sixty-one years of her life were spent in Monona as teacher, principal, and librarian.

Miss Sherman is remembered for her influence on her students and community members.  She always maintained a genuine interest in young people and careers of former students.  She passed away September 21, 1975.

It is fitting our National Honor Society is named after a person who gave so much of herself to our school and community.  She truly exemplifies the pillars of National Honor Society: Service, Leadership, Scholarship and Character.

Thank you to Carol Marting, Monona Historical Society, for providing sources for this article.

• Must be a member of the junior or senior class

• The following criteria will be considered for membership:

  • ​Scholastic: 3.5 cumulative GPA

  • Leadership: Demonstrated leadership roles held at school and in the community.

  • Service: Signed verification that you have turned in a minimum of 50 hours of community service towards the Silver Cord.

  • Character: Exemplifies the five qualities of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring.

• Selection will be based on a written application and review of faculty committee.

1. Resume

2. Application cover letter (Why you should be considered for NHS membership).

3. Essay stating your scholastic, leadership, service and character.

4. Silver Cord hours - Attach your verified service hours on the form provided. Advisor will provide this when application is handed in.