Has your child ever been named to Who's Who of American High School Students?

[luvmarypoppins]

We just got a letter that ds 16 was named to who's who of american high school students. I guess I am shocked and amazed. I know he had a good semester quarter. Last year he only made the honor roll l quarter. He said one teacher told him he could have made the honor society but had no recommendations in his folder. I now found out his friend, a girl, said she made it last year. This girl played on the soccer team and had to go to summer school for failing math. So is this thing for real. I dont know what criteria they use etc. I guess with college around the corner he could use any help he can get. He goes to a private school that is associated with a church that we do not go to and they do seem to have their "favorites" there, kids who go to that church versus everyone else, our ds included fall into the everyone else category. The guidance dept. or teachers told us nothing etc. Just wondering if anyone has had any experiences with this. They said we will be getting another letter shortly.

 

[hyzdufan]

I was named to it as well, and it seems like they only do it to sell books. But, it's still a recognition somewhat.

 

[kadaten]

Originally posted by hyzdufan
I was named to it as well, and it seems like they only do it to sell books. But, it's still a recognition somewhat.

Yep! They just want to sell you the $30 book with your name in it. It is somewhat of an honor, but doesn't hold much water....you can see since the girl that failed a course still got in. I'm not sure what criteria are used, but I was named as was at least 1/4 of my graduating class. He can put it on a college application, but it won't get him in if his scores and grades aren't there....

 

[Meriweather]

yep...both kids every semester for 4 years each.
Never bought a book, but nice to have their names in there.
I think it is the top 5% of every high school?? But it's been awhile, so I might remember wrong.

 

[ScarlettO]

This is pretty much sent to many, may students and is a money making project. Many schools will not list it as an honor or achievement as it is basically trying to make $$ .

 

[Pugdog007]

It's definately more than just the top 5%. I think they send it to anyone who's passing, as I recall everyone I know receiving this "honor." I wouldn't even mention it on a college app. Just don't send them any money.

 

[HappyMommy2]

My siblings and I were all named to Who's Who when we were high school students. My parents congratulated us but never bought the books. Our school made it clear that Who's Who was basically a moneymaking ploy.

On the other hand, from what you wrote it sounds like your DS has been working hard and deserves some recognition--congrats to him, and I'm sure that as time goes by he will receive plenty of honors/awards that colleges will value much more highly than they value the Who's Who list.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Me too... and alot of my friends. I thought teachers recommended people for it, but don't recall now... the school should be able to tell you how he got nominated for it.

I agree its just a money making scheme for the publishers of the book... the book is HUGE. The award doesn't hold much weight, either, but its nice to be recognized nonetheless.

Congrats to your son for a great year!!!!!!!!!

 

[Blueeyes101817]

myself and my brother were named into that...joe ddoesnt have the best grades, so it seemed like anyone got i t....but i still put it on my college applications

 

[yodasdabomb]

Yep I got it too my senior year of high school though I have no idea how they chose people at my school for it. It seemed very random some people who had equal grades (some even better) did not get it while I did so yeah, I have no clue. But don't let it get you down, and honor is an honor! Just don't given them any money, I have the book someone where with thousands of other names in it, why my parent's purchased a book with thousands of names listed in it I have no idea??? I guess they were proud too. My advice would be congratualte your son but like others said don't send them any money!

 

[mom2boys]

Another former "Who's Who" & I agree it is a money making ploy. I realized that the second I opened my book.

 

[nativetxn]

Yep, and so were all of my nieces and nephews and all of my neighbors children.

 

[bballmom56]

Yes, my DD is in for 2 years. I have heard that the top colleges don't put any stock in it. I don't think she listed it on her apps., but it was a nice honor to receive. They also get to nominate a teacher for the Who's Who for teachers, and each time DD nominated a different teacher. The teachers were very touched and honored to be recognized.

 

[Melora]

I was in it..but back then it was only me and one other boy in my high school.

I thought it was pretty neat!

 

[Jockaroo]

I was in it too. I think my mom bought the book. When I was in it only some of our honor students were selected. I thought I made the cut since I volunteered at a local hospital as a candy striper. I remember the application was pretty involved. My mom was so proud I remember she bought me a beautiful, small gold ring with a rosebud on it. We didn't have a lot of money, so this was very special to me. Who's Who may not be a big deal to some, but my little ring symbolizing my mom's pride in me is priceless.

It is an honor your son was selected. Congratulations to him! He should be able to be listed regardless whether you buy the book.

 

[FroggyinArk]

another whos who alum,, but seems like it was more respected and harder to get into back when we were in hs,, only a few of us were included and was considered worth mentioning,, now it seems tyo have become more a general senmd me your cash and i'll list you deal.

 

[KimRaye]

I agree with Froggy. I was in it 24 years ago and, I still have the book but, I don't remember paying anything for it. My teacher submitted me so, maybe that made a difference, back then?

It rarely, if ever, comes up but, I consider it an honor, to this day.

 

[aprilgail2]

Originally posted by mom2boys
Another former "Who's Who" & I agree it is a money making ploy. I realized that the second I opened my book.

My gosdaughter just got this letter too and I asked my brother who is a high school teacher about it and he says its just a big money making scam.,..doesn't mean anything.

 

[crs7568]

I am also in the book. Back in high school, I was not much more than an average student. I do know that my English teacher recommended me. I excelled in her class but not in any others. I tend to think it is probably a maoney maker. I know that my grandparents bought the book and the plaque.

 

[froglady]

My daughter got the letter, which we ignored.

Colleges are interested in things like National Honor Society, Cum Laude Society, National Merit Scholar, national specialty societies, college book awards, etc.