NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY WELCOMES 14 NEW MEMBERS
Induction ceremony highlights four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service and character
Sterling High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society welcomed two juniors and 12 sophomores to its membership rolls Tuesday evening.
The induction ceremony for the new members followed a dinner for members, inductees and their families. The ceremony highlighted the four pillars of NHS, with chapter officers Reagan Fehringer, president; Luca Pendleton, treasurer; Jalyssa Maker, historian; and member James Waite explaining scholarship, leadership, character and service and how members can demonstrate those qualities.
Fehringer then led the members and inductees in a recitation of the NHS pledge.
Interim Principal Mark Appelhans introduced each of the
inductees, who stepped forward to sign their name in the SHS National Honor Society membership book, which dates back to 1925. After each new member had received their membership packets, Appelhans offered words of congratulations that centered on being intentionally thankful in the month of November.
“I think we have a lot to be thankful for right here in this room,” he said.
He thanked those who provided the meal and the staff who put the event together and “work hard every single day.”
He also thanked the family and friends who attended the ceremony, saying, “You build the foundation that puts these kids in this spot right now, and it’s your congratulations, and my thanks to you.”
He closed by sharing his gratitude for the students. “(They) have endured over the last few years a very difficult trial in education. It’s been very very difficult, but they have persevered, they have been steadfast and the’ve stayed true to their beliefs and what they want to accomplish and always kept their eyes on the goal ahead,” he said.
The SHS chapter was reestablished last year after a several-year hiatus, and the 10 charter members have performed nearly 400 hours of service since their induction last year, according to chapter advisor Virginia Splichal.
“I want to thank the 10 of you for setting our foundation,” she said. “Our time together has taught us about resilience. One might suggest that a common thread in all successful leaders, is that they are risk takers. Maturity is formed through experiences and good company. When a setback occurs, a leader will pick themselves up and continue to lead. As we welcome our new members, I ask that you continue being the leaders you are.”
She encouraged the new members to keep the four NHS pillars in mind, charging them “to forge a path of greatness, to inspire others, and to give of yourselves while putting your best efforts forth.”
The ceremony closed with remarks from Interim Vice Principal Joe Skerjanec, who commended the students. “It’s not always easy in our current culture to exhibit the characteristics necessary to be a National Honor Society member,” he said.
He also thanked the parents for their efforts in raising “exemplary” children.
The inductees welcomed to the chapter are: sophomores Mason Boeff, Lydia Boxberger, Corynn Hensman, Morgan Lambert, Brooklyn Ogley, Addison Pasko, Grace Petersen, Taryn Seifried, Kierra Simmons, Tyla Thomas, Ethan Thyne, Shayleigh Ulrich; juniors Kaylin Gesford and Callum Hurst.