NHS inducts new members

Anxious inductees, knowledgeable teachers and proud parents filled the auditorium on Oct. 29, for the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony.  The evening’s event was complete with dramatic music to set the scene, guest speakers full of advice and the induction of 59 new members of the Annandale Chapter of the National Honor Society. 

“The ceremony was well put together, even more exciting than I expected.  Everything seemed to be very organized, and I especially loved Mr. Hawes’ speech,” said junior inductee Christopher Sheehy.

From the presentation of the Teacher of the Year award to government teacher John Hawes, to the lighting of individual candles of character, the induction ceremony ran smoothly. But the success of this event came from careful planning.  The collaborative work of NHS officers, Meredith Rutherford, Glenda Ngo, Timothy Hepburn, Amy Mai, Kim Duong, Aya Saed and teacher advisor, Cliff Hickman made this induction just as prestigious as the club it was structured for.

“With our diligent planning and cooperative teamwork, the induction ceremony ran smoother than we could have anticipated,” said senior NHS secretary, Amy Mai.

Although the planning and efforts of the NHS officers went a long way in making the ceremony a success, the night would not have been the same without the encouraging speeches made by two highly respected men, John Hawes and guest speaker, David Cordts. 

“I thought that Mr. Hawes’ speech was entertaining, but also really informational.  My friends and I truly enjoyed it,” said sophomore inductee Paige Clark.

The speeches, from both men, encompassed the values of good leadership, explained what the honor society represents and stressed the importance of student success.  Although the speeches were filled with information and great advice, they kept the students engaged by using compelling tactics.

“I really liked Mr. Cordts’ speech, it was unlike any other.  The magic trick he included at the end, connecting character and leadership was totally legit, I give him mad props,” said returning NHS member, junior Desmond Lee.

The enthusiasm shared from returning members and their support heightened the overall experience for the new inductees.

“It was great seeing so many of my friends being inducted into the society.  And the current members of the NHS were really encouraging.  It just reassured my feelings that being a part of NHS will lead me to success,” said Clark.

With teacher advisor Cliff Hickman, the Annandale Chapter of NHS is a collection of students with high academic standings.  The minimum GPA requirement for all members is a 3.5.  This alone emphasizes the importance of academics in the students’ lives; but in order to be a part of the NHS there must be other levels of success.  In addition to scholarship, the core values include: service, leadership, and character. Those involved in the society strive to include these values in their daily lives and demonstrate them in the school and the community. 

“As a junior, my primary focus has become getting accepted into an outstanding college.  Being in this society not only looks great on applications, because of the immense amount of community service, but it also encourages me to keep my grades up,” said junior inductee, Connor Volk.

Colleges nationwide recognize the NHS program as a highly respected organization full of intelligent students, whose main purpose is continued success. Applications of students who mention their involvement in the National Honor Society stand out as stronger candidates to college acceptance offices.  This can be directly credited to the fact that students in NHS are required to complete numerous hours of community service and leadership, uphold an untarnished character, and maintain in high scholastic standing.

“As always, service plays a vital role in the NHS this year.  Aside from our monthly morning meetings and required hours of community service and leadership, members are also required to take part in our weekly clean up of Ossian Park,” said Mai.

Even if these obligations were not included in this year’s plan for the Annandale Chapter of the NHS, the members would still serve their community by choice.  This self-driven will to participate in their community as both a leader and a scholar epitomizes the foundation of the NHS.

“NHS fosters the qualities of scholarship, leadership, character, and service which help me develop as a contributing member of society, and a person whose actions impact the lives of those around me.  For this reason, I am a proud member of the NHS,” said Lee.