For those Woodland students who have an admiration for social studies, they can look no further than their new sanctuary called Rho Kappa. Before, social studies students were unable to find their place amongst other activities, especially among the highly regarded, beloved honor societies. The 2025 and 2026 school year changed this, inviting a new group just for them into Woodland’s culture.

To get in, students had to exhibit a strength in the social studies field along with a very apparent interest, something Social Studies Department Chair Courtney Bernier solidified with a list of specific requirements. 

“Students had to have had a certain overall GPA which was a 90 or above unweighted and then a 93 unweighted GPA or above in their social studies classes,” detailed Bernier. “We notified 59 students—both juniors and seniors—of their eligibility for Rho Kappa and we encouraged them to apply.”

The club’s start had been in debate for a while, despite the strong advocacy for the program. However, one advocate never truly gave up throughout the years of consideration: history teacher and social studies fanatic Christopher Tomlin. Alongside co-advisor and history teacher Kenan Collins, Tomlin’s voice of passion for the project became an obvious factor in the inclusion of Rho Kappa at Woodland. 

“It’s been in place for a number of years and there are many schools in the state of Connecticut that had a chapter of Rho Kappa,” elaborated Bernier. “Mr.Tomlin talked about the society and bringing it to Woodland for many, many years. We were really excited that last year we were given approval to start the society here.”

Playing an active part in Woodland’s society as well as Connecticut’s, the club is not just for show. Rho Kappa, a society built on community, fosters the idea of keeping the past alive while moving into the future through a few service projects students can participate in. The best part however comes with the choice of which one they choose to pursue. 

The first project came in the form of Woodland’s yearly day of honor for our highly respected veterans. 

“The Veteran’s Forum is something we host every year in May. Students who choose to be a part of that service project are going to be given the opportunity to connect with veterans, to host an event, and to figure out budget—of course with the support of the co-advisors Mr.Collins, Mr.Tomlin, and myself as well,” presented Bernier.

The next project is a competition recognizing a very complex and eventful history, Connecticut’s History Day Competition. This project entails a changing theme in each year, with the 2026 theme focused on the concepts of revolution, reaction, and reform. Students compete against others and if crowned victor, the winning student represents the entire state of Connecticut in Nationals. 

“It’s an amazing individual opportunity to research a historical event of significance and then be able to share that out with other people,” Tomlin remarked.

The final project is highly anticipated among many Rho Kappa students, a chance to not only show the past, but also preserve it for years to come. In this project, students form small groups alongside other Rho Kappa members to piece together a video of Connecticut’s history that they want preserved for future generations to see. 

All these service projects are not just special for the members’ remaining years at Woodland, instead allowing students to pursue their interests in the social studies and history universe on a much broader scale than previously believed. Kurt Ogren, WRHS principal, became a quick supporter of what the society had to offer. 

“One of their big things is civil engagement so community service is a big part of it as well which I think is great. Any extracurricular activity is a very positive thing,” commented Ogren. “Everybody finds their niche so if you’re somebody who is really into social studies or history this could be a good place for you.”

The club also offers more than metaphorical victories for students, but physical ones as well. Like most honor societies, Rho Kappa offers great advances in the college application process and a cord, something students can have to remind them of their accomplishments.

All of Woodland is hopeful, especially the advisors and Bernier. From a society all about the past, great things are expected for the future of this honor society. 

“This opportunity to be a part of Rho Kappa is going to be something that kids are going to be able to carry with themselves for their lives.”