Every year at homecoming, the gym is transformed into a new setting, one chosen by the students at the annual first day pep assembly. With lighting, backdrops, decorations, props and music, the ambience will be set on Sep. 21 to make one truly feel like he or is she is in Wonderland from Lewis Carroll’s classic novella Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. However, those attending the dance don’t usually bother to think of where the decorations came from, or the time devoted to making them.

The task of creating decorations for homecoming falls into the hands of the members of the National Art Honors Society (NAHS), which is sponsored by art teacher Robert Putnam and meets every Thursday after school to create projects and decorations that better the school.

“[NAHS will be making] a variety of props [for homecoming] – mushrooms, playing cards and a few other things, as well as the mascot that will be burned [at the homecoming bonfire],” Putnam said.

Putnam has been the sponsor of NAHS for the four years that Blue Valley Southwest has been open. He previously worked as the sponsor for NAHS at Blue Valley High, and had been doing so since 1995 prior to relocating to Southwest.

“Initially a group of kids came to me and needed a sponsor for NAHS, and nobody else wanted to do it, so I said, ‘What the heck?’” Putnam said.

Putnam works with NAHS members to design and construct numerous projects, including the senior mural and hallway decorations such as posters. NAHS also contributed to keeping Southwest green by making recycling cans out of aluminum, all of which he thinks have affected the school and the students in a positive way.

“School has benefitted through the kids,” Putnam said. “They took it on themselves two years ago to create the senior mural that’s been becoming a tradition. It’s benefitted through the spirit that comes through burning the other school’s mascot at homecoming. [As for the students], a big benefit is the opportunity to do community service and to work as group. A lot of art is just individual effort, and working as a group is an important aspect of this organization.”

NAHS will see members both new and old at its meetings. At the first meeting of the year, which was held on Aug. 22, over 20 students showed up, including six inducted members.

Among those new faces is sophomore Nick Schrag.

Schrag, who has previously taken Design Fundamentals and is currently enrolled in Drawing I and Drawing II, was introduced to NAHS during his freshman year, but was unfortunately unable to join because of the fact that he did not meet the requirement of being enrolled in or having completed a half credit of art. Now that he’s met the requirements, Schrag is excited to put his artistic skills to use.

“I’m looking forward to all the projects that we get to do like making the decorations for the dances and for spirit days and the mascot [which will be the Gardner-Edgerton Trailblazer for the bonfire],” Schrag said. “That’s especially what I’m most excited for.”

He’s also looking forward to the social impact that the NAHS’ work will make.

“It’s good that you are helping out with the community by helping the school,” Schrag said.

NAHS also has a handful of returning members, including senior Alex Lawrence.

Lawrence is an art enthusiast, and this year is she signed up for a total of seven art classes. After moving to Kansas last year, Lawrence wanted to join a club in order to meet people and be involved in the school, which she’s also excited to do this year.

“I really like art, and I’m looking forward to making art and meeting new people,” she said.

Lawrence was introduced to NAHS by art teacher Shawn Stelter and is looking forward to returning for her second year. She is also planning on becoming an inducted member this year, which includes having an art GPA of at least 3.0, completing 15 hours of community service through the club, paying her dues and being an active participant of the club.

“My favorite part about NAHS would be being able to be surrounded by people who like doing art as much as I like doing art,” she said.

Inducted member sophomore Izabella Borowiak-Miller is also looking forward to returning to NAHS as a second year member. As part of being an inducted member, Borowiak-Miller serves on the NAHS Board, as well as being the photographer and historian.

She was acquainted with NAHS while being a student of Design Fundamentals with Mr. Putnam. Since then she’s been an active member and has loved doing so.

“I love art, and [NAHS] is easy community service hours,” Borowiak-Miller said. “It’s really fun.”

This school year will be a busy one for NAHS, with preparations of the homecoming dance decorations, constructing the mascot  and making the senior mural, but she’s excited to be part of it all.

“[I’m in NAHS] because I wanted to exercise my art skills because I don’t do a lot at home,” Borowiak-Miller said. “It’s a good way to get out all my creativity.”