Twenty students inducted into National Honor Society

Seventeen Newark High School juniors and three seniors were formally inducted into the NHS chapter of the National Honor Society at an evening ceremony in the school auditorium November 13.

New inductees and their grade levels are: Ashley Appell (11), Kellie Bundschuh (11), Cameron Casselman (11), Shannon DeHoff (12), Paul Dingman (11), Catherine Erway (11), Carly Henkel (11), Jaycie Howard (11), Morgan Johnson (11), Elizabeth Kline (11), Megan Kreuser (11), Curtis Mason (12), Brianna Olschewske (12), Kyle Power (11), Sarah Sharp (11), Jessica Shields (11), Daniel Staples (11), Jenna Taylor (11), Ryan Tracy (11) and Brittany Williams (11).

As each student’s name was called by NHS business teacher Kathleen Tanea, advisor of the NHS Chapter of the National Honor Society, he or she came forward, lit a candle and then shook hands with Tanea, NHS Principal Kevin Whitaker and NHS Assistant Principal Nick Ganster.

New inductees were selected by a five-member faculty council on the basis of scholarship, character, leadership and service.

“All candidates must have a scholastic average of at least 88 to be accepted by the National Council,’’ Tanea explained. “In addition to the scholastic average, the application process is quite rigorous.  All new inductees must submit a resume, essay, teacher sponsorship form, character questionnaire and more.  This, along with constructive lead in the classroom, ability to place service above self, demonstration of high standards toward honesty, reliability, fairness and tolerance constitute the criteria which has led to each one’s selection.

“Your acceptance is the evidence that you are the leaders of tomorrow that will mold the future and today you should realize that you are on the threshold of these responsibilities,” Tanea continued. “ An honor such as this is a wonderful way for the school and community to recognize and celebrate the choices, and sometimes the sacrifices, you have made. “

Tanea also said acceptance of new Honor Society members “should be considered the beginning of an obligation, not merely the culmination of an effort to achieve recognition and honor.”

Once inducted, new members will assist the chapter by helping to: Create enthusiasm for scholarship; stimulate a desire to render service; promote worthy leadership; encourage the development of character in all NHS students.

“You have worked hard to earn this distinction. Tonight is an opportunity to relax, reflect on your successes, and feel proud of yourselves and your accomplishments,” Tanea said.

Then 2011-12 National Honor Society officers — NHS seniors Brynn Lauer (president), Edward Brockhuizen (vice president), Lauren Allen (secretary) and Sage Salone (treasurer) further explained the criteria for membership.  

Whitaker commended the new inductees on their commitment to excellence that led to their selection and thanked parents, relatives, and family members “who stand behind these fine young men and women, specifically because of the time, effort, and guidance that you have given them as they have worked their way through so many of the challenges of growing up and of being successful.”

“I say this often, but without you, the obstacles that our young people have faced would be that much more difficult to overcome,” he said. “For them, and for us, I extend my thanks.”

Whitaker said each student who was being inducted into the NHS Chapter of the National Honor Society have had to become adept at creating and working within deadlines, managing time, coping with stress and juggling all of their extracurricular activities. “These skills will continue to serve them well as they move on toward college, and eventually out in the world to start their undoubtedly successful careers as future leaders in our community,” he said.

Whitaker then reiterated the qualities a student must exhibit to become a member of the National Honor Society.

“To find all of these laudable qualities in one person, at such a young age, hints indeed at a promising future,” he said. “However, it is important to recognize that promise is only the beginning, and it is time to set new goals so that each of you may set out on your own to achieve the next level of success in your academic career, in your personal life, in your community endeavors, and in your service commitments.

“I invite you to create your own stories,” Whitaker continued. “You are the author of your life story. Thus far, you have written hard work, dedication, academic success, strong character, honesty, and teamwork. I remind you to continue to include compassion, leadership, mentoring, perseverance and empathy. I read this same quote to the inductees last year who stand on the stage with you tonight, and as you move into your future, continue to ask yourself if you are keeping your part of the challenge.

“Sir Isaac Newton said: ‘We are like men standing on the shoulders of giants. We see more, and things that are more distant than they did, not because our sight is superior or because we are taller than they, but because they raise us up, and by their great stature add to ours.’ Right now, you stand on the shoulders of those giants who helped you get here. Continue to be the author of your story. You are in charge of where you take yourself and your talents . . .  but understand that you have an additional responsibility. Soon you will be one of those giants. Stand tall, stride confidently, but tread lightly, for among you walk those who will need some help on the way up to your shoulders.”

After the ceremony, a reception was held in the school foyer.