A newly established chapter of a national honor society at Athens High School has been named for longtime social studies teacher Mike Jones, according to a press release.

Ninety-six students were recently inducted into the Mike Jones Chapter of Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. The purpose of Rho Kappa is to promote scholarship, recognize academic excellence in social studies among high school students, provide opportunities for social studies exploration and encourage interest in, understanding of, and appreciation for social studies.

Jones taught social studies courses at both Athens Middle School and Athens High School for 20 years. He was the district’s first national board-certified teacher in social studies and the 1993 Alabama State Teacher of the Year.

He retired in 2008 and lives in Elkmont with his wife, Chrystal.

“Mike Jones has probably been the most successful and influential social studies teacher in Athens City Schools,” said Paige Hicks, a history and psychology teacher at Athens High who is also the chapter advisor.

She explained Jones was her teacher in sixth, ninth and 10th grades. She had planned to be an English teacher until she took Jones’ history class as a sophomore. Jones changed her mind, which changed the course of her life.

“Since he is the reason I’m a history teacher, I have always tried to honor him the best I can,” Hicks said. “I thought this would be a good long-term way to recognize him.“

Hicks said students plan to engage in various civic activities, attend City Council meetings, school board meetings and welcome guest speakers to chapter meetings.

Rho Kappa is the only national organization for high school juniors and seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of social studies. Graduates will wear a braided royal blue and white honor cord to denote membership in Rho Kappa.

The requirements for Rho Kappa membership are:

• A minimum of two core courses in social studies with a grade of 88;

• A cumulative average grade of 85; and

• A signed recommendation from a high school social studies teacher.