Eight students inducted into National Honor Society

By Jocelyn Olberding

The thirtieth annual National Honor Society induction ceremony occurred on January 31. Eight Sacred Heart students were inducted into the St. Thomas Moore Chapter of the National Honor Society. New members include senior Saylor Hutfles, juniors Thomas Aitken, Jentry Lechtenberg, Jocelyn Olberding, and sophomores Shae Dolisi, Mason Goltz, Cole Taft and Daycee Witt.

To qualify for National Honor Society students have to maintain a 90% grade average, be involved in the community, show great leadership skills, and write an essay on why they should be inducted. “You must work hard in school, in the community, and have a good, kind, and matured reputation when you are a NHS member,” junior Addison Keller said. “I am honored to be a part of something that recognizes my achievements and continues to push me to strive for greatness.”

The inductees, along with their parents and current members, enjoyed a lunch cooked by the Modern Living students with the guidance of teacher Linda Kirkendall. The ceremony took place in the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 1:30pm. The entire school and faculty watched the ceremony in the church.

During the ceremony, NHS sponsor Pam Smith spoke about what it meant to be a member and the expectations that follow this position. Seniors Lexi Brewer, Leila Fredrick, Maddie Dougherty, Elle Falk, Vaughn Lenard, and Makinley Scholl had the honor to speak during the candle lighting program. The five colored candles represent the characteristics of NHS, which include knowledge, scholarship, leadership, service and character.

Bishop James Conley handed out the official certificate and pin to the new members. After these students received their certificates, all members of the NHS stood up and recited the pledge. “I love working with high school students outside of the classroom and getting to know them in a whole different way,” head of NHS Pam Smith said. “I like to see the creativity and responsibility that our students demonstrate and how it grows.”

At the beginning of every school year NHS members meet and discuss what they plan to do throughout the year. Each year all members sell a box of chocolates to help pay for the induction, lunch, pins and certificates. Members are expected to keep high grade levels and continue to volunteer their time to not only within the school but also in the community. “Being in NHS is an honor, and I am privileged to have made it in,” Keller said. “It is special, and I hope I can uphold the society’s values and be a productive member.”