Founded in 1999 and located in Friendswood, Texas, the Alpha Chapter was the first chapter established in Eta Sigma Alpha. ESA is a dedicated honor society focused on improving the community through service and bettering its members through encouraging scholarship and leadership. The ESA Honor Society consists of homeschoolers, Grades 7-12, who prove their commitment to their academic achievement by displaying a high GPA and a high score on a standardized test. Members of ESA are urged to attend service projects arranged by the honor society. Members also are invited to organized parties to inspire camaraderie. Scheduled visits to college campuses further members’ knowledge of colleges and help direct their collegiate path.
Mission Statement
“The purpose of Eta Sigma Alpha National Home School Honor Society, Alpha Chapter, shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among home school students. To achieve this purpose, ESA shall provide opportunities for the developments of leadership and service. ESA shall encourage the developments of an intellectual climate that will stimulate the exchange of ideas and ideals, foster scholarship, and promote academic excellence. ESA shall also advocate home schooling as a viable and successful educational methodology and act as a liaison for home schooling to the general public, colleges/universties, and the media.”
Service Projects
We as dedicated members of the Alpha Chapter state the pledge at every meeting as a reminder of our purpose for gathering. Eta Sigma Alpha differs from other honor societies not merely because we are exclusively homeschoolers, but because of our passion to help others in need. Membership in ESA is not something to flaunt or simply a flourish to add to a resume. It provides opportunities for us as homeschool students to use God-given talents to bless others. We have worked to provide meals to the homeless, build sheds in impoverished neighborhoods, organize and pack medical supplies to go to third world countries, raise money to build a well in an impoverished community, and send holiday wishes to soldiers in-country. Alpha Chapter is always working towards the next project. We realize that our neighbors around the world need help. Many people suffer from hunger, do not have access to clean water, cannot afford medicine, and do not have the basic necessities we often take for granted. We make an effort to fill those needs one project at a time. Eta Sigma Alpha is about the peoples’ lives that we touch when volunteering. These people are our mission.
Chapter Activities
ESA strives to maintain an environment that encourages the membership to establish lasting friendships with one another. Parties and events are scheduled on a regular basis and are great opportunities for members to become active within the society. Additionally, several major social events coordinated by ESA take place throughout the year. Scheduled in the fall, an Open House welcomes prospective members in order for them to get a glimpse of ESA. ESA also offers a winter dance, named the ESA’s Alpha Chapter–the Winter Gala. This event features an exciting night of dancing and then donates the profits to a charity. Next, to celebrate the end of the winter semester, an annual Christmas party is hosted by the society at which, among other activities, it’s tradition to create holiday cards for patients in hospitals. ESA also offers a Walkathon, in which participants walk for a charity or organization. Finally, our Honor Society hosts an annual banquet for the membership filled with ceremonies, awards, and dancing. Whether you are able to attend only one event or many, ESA provides members with incredible opportunities to forge new friendships and strengthen old ones.