Barb Maring, NHS adviser, welcomed the families and friends to this important induction ceremony and congratulated all the students on their achievement. She stated that Elizabeth Thurber, a language arts instructor at TK, founded the TK’s chapter of NHS in 1958 with seven students inducted in the first ceremony.
Jeff Dock, assistant high school principal, also spoke directly to the students.
“Don't let National Honor Society just be a cord that you wear. That's not important. The point is it’s not a notch on your resume. You are the best of the best TK has to offer. You are going to be asked to serve our community. You're going to be asked to serve your school. Take pride in that. Have a positive impact around the people that you come in contact with. Serve not only our school well, serve your families well and take pride in who you are.”
The process of being inducted into the NHS is a competitive one and students must meet certain requirements.
Students must be an incoming junior or senior, earning a 3.5 grade point average. All students who meet these criteria are then invited to fill out an informational packet talking about the four pillars of the National Honor Society - character, service, leadership, and scholarship. Once these applicants are collected, a five-member faculty council vets each applicant and determines those to invite into the National Honor Society.
Chapter President Devon Barnhill gave a little history of the National Honor Society. It was started in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Their purpose was to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership and to encourage the development of character in secondary school students.
She went on to explain that the emblem of the NHS is a keystone with an imposed flaming torch. The keystone is the symbol of character and the flaming torch symbolizes the light of knowledge. The initials of the four pillars of NHS - character, service, leadership and scholarship - appear at the base of the keystone and on either side.
NHS members Benjamin Postma, Noah Donker, Luke Archer, and Avery Hagemann explained the meaning of each of the pillars.
“Scholarship is measured not only by your academic success, but also by your ability to take advantage of the opportunities presented to you every day for the sake of expanding your intellectual and emotional understanding of the world around you. It is the pursuit of growth as an individual,” said Postma.
As members of the National Honor Society, you will value scholarship as you discover that it displays humility in individuals, recognizing that academic achievement is not given. It is something that must be worked for through conscientiousness and effort.
Donker spoke about leadership. “Each and every one of you is here for a multitude of reasons. Leadership, and your demonstration of leadership, is one of those. Leadership often seems like a grand term better suited for people in the history books rather than those of us here today. However, I look around this room and find myself surrounded by leaders.
“Leaders strive to understand the needs facing their community, and they step up to do what is necessary and serve…All it means is deliberately choosing to do what is best for your community, especially when there is an easier way that many will take.”
Archer spoke of character. “Although academics are important to your membership in the National Honors Society, your character is what makes you stand out. Character is how someone carries themselves, showing you the way they act and how they treat others, and demonstrating respect for all those around them…Regardless of accomplishments and scholarships, people are remembered by those who knew them for their good heart and spirit. So, to all the new members of the National Honor Society, go forth and share your character with the world. Let people remember you for your kindness and giving nature.”
The final pillar is service introduced by Hagemann. “The key to this pillar is that it builds connections throughout the area. Forming works of service within the community empowers students to connect with individuals within their school and those outside the school walls. These actions are character building and will develop well rounded leaders that are empathetic and socially responsible…Enthusiastic service final post in the foundation of the strong scholar,” said Hagemann.
New members then recited a pledge of the NHS before the roll call of new inductees was read.
New members of the TKHS NHS are:
Class of 2027
Franceska deBlois, Kylie Dombkowski, Kaitlyn Fliearman, Griffin Grummet, Brody Hammer, Vivian Hansson, Milo McCormick, Camden Peter, Addison Petersen, Jordan Price, Violet Sandborn, Lydia Slagel, Emily Stevens, Zayne Whitmore
Class of 2028
Karsyn Boersma, Addison Bower, Carter Commissaris, Aubrie Coppess, Maddi Cruz, Olivia Fischer, Jordan Fox, Morela Gielincki, Emersyn Gorman, Brooklyn Hammer, Olivia Hart, Jackson Hasty, Mckenna Hawks, Abigail Hoebeke, Leigha Jones, Evelyn Jore, Ella Kaler, Audrey Kenyon, Jackson Lambitz, Taylor Mack, Peyton Morgan, Nataleah Peters, Harper Phillips, Greyson Pierce, Josie Reid, Addison Rocco, Anna Romph, Exley Roon, Madeleine Rose, Kenneth Sanborn, Lucy Schilthroat, Breanna Schut, Elizabeth Sell, Aleena Slomp, Demi Sonza, Lillian Starin, Aubree Stevens, Emma Syswerda, Gabriel Van, Leah vanderWulp, Amellia Williams, Pender Workman.