Chase Hartman with the NHS Service Pillar award. PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON DIXSON

“Boogie for Books,” read the colorful sign above my elementary school gym’s door. I hosted this dance and book drive during my fifth-grade year as part of my school’s National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) chapter. It was a significant event for me as it marked the beginning of my newly established project, “read.repeat,” which later became Eco Brothers, a nonprofit organization I run with my brother Zach.

I was inspired to host the event during the previous year’s dance when I realized the literacy and education-related challenges thousands of students face in Hillsborough County. It was disheartening to know that many students in my community didn’t have enough books in their homes or schools and couldn’t read whenever they wanted. I decided to host the event and collect books to make a difference and combat these issues. After gathering my first 1,000 books at the dance, I recognized the impact I could make through mobilizing my community. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to becoming a service-minded leader.

I owe much of my progress and personal development in high school to my engagement in National Honor Society (NHS). The pillars of service and leadership have particularly resonated with me. Additionally, the unwavering support of my fifth-grade teacher and NEHS chapter adviser, Donna Tippin, was crucial in shaping my project and my journey as a community advocate. Her guidance was all it took to inspire me to continue this project for eight years. She helped me run my first book drive event and opened my eyes to the need for literacy and education equity in the Tampa Bay area. It’s fair to say that NEHS was one of the first steps in enabling me to become deeply involved in positively impacting my community.

Leading and Learning With Book Drives

Hartman, second from right, at a book distribution event. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHASE HARTMAN

Eco Brothers is a youth-led organization focused on helping the environment, promoting literacy, and making an impact on homeless animals. During my first Eco Brothers book delivery, I noticed how empty the school library and media center shelves were at a local Title I school. The school’s principal told me how issues like poverty and a lack of resources created setbacks for my peers. Parents couldn’t focus on providing their kids extra reading materials or academic support; they were trying to keep their families alive.

For one of the first times, I grasped the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty. I instantly wished I could give every student in America a hug and a book. A mix of discomfort and frustration rose in me, and I immediately wanted to do more to solve this issue. By rallying local community members and hosting dozens of book drives each year, I worked to ensure every student in my county and throughout the country felt included and welcome in their schools.

Eight years and hundreds of successful book drives later, I can confidently say that Eco Brothers has exceeded my 10-year-old self’s vision. Aside from reaching over 65,000 students and distributing over 225,000 books in all 50 states, I have made valuable connections with thousands of people in my community and learned from their stories. By distributing books with diverse characters and dual-language books, I have helped to promote literacy and increased students’ interest in reading, further supporting their educational success.

I have also gained experience in grant writing and fundraising and have raised over $165,000 to purchase brand new books for low-income families in my area. Additionally, I have provided hundreds of my peers with opportunities to pursue their service-related passions by hosting trash cleanups, stuffed animal upcycling events, and book deliveries that enable students to help pass out books.

My experiences with Eco Brothers also inspired me to become a role model and serve as a leader among my high school and community peers. Besides NHS, I joined organizations and clubs in high school such as student government, Beta Club, Boy Scouts, and the Hillsborough County Youth Leadership Council. I plan to continue participating in community service organizations for the rest of my life. Throughout my service, I have learned a valuable lesson: Community service entails more than completing a graduation requirement; it is a solid pipeline for getting connected and passionate about what happens in your community.

The unwavering support of my fifth-grade teacher and NEHS chapter adviser, Donna Tippin, was crucial in shaping my project and my journey as a community advocate.

I’ve also encountered diverse perspectives through these groups, which have broadened my understanding of the world and my ability to make positive changes for others and our environment. One of the most important things that NHS has taught me is how to take the time to understand the actual reasons and underlying issues behind acts of service. By attending several events each semester in high school to meet my service hour requirements for NHS, I connected with dozens of local organizations, learned about the issues they care about, and played a small part in assisting them on their journey. Sometimes, I even took it a step further by reconnecting with these organizations to host a collections drive for them or provide them with more volunteers. I’ve learned that it’s all about forming a solid connection with community members, and I credit my adult supporters and mentors in my life who taught me this valuable skill.

Looking to the Future

Receiving the NHS Service Pillar award was an incredibly significant and memorable achievement for me. It validated my longtime commitment to promoting education equity and serving my community. This recognition also underscored the value of following my passions and highlighted the importance of NHS in supporting and inspiring my service journey.

At the University of Florida, I am continuing to grow Eco Brothers. I’ve also gotten involved with some of the local organizations on and off campus.

As for my career, I look forward to entering public service and exploring the world of entrepreneurship so I can continue focusing on the things I’m passionate about. I’m excited to make a real difference, inspire others, and help build a better world for everyone.

Chase Hartman is a freshman at the University of Florida and a graduate of Sickles High School in Tampa, FL. He is a 2024 NHS Scholarship winner and the recipient of the NHS Service Pillar award.