The new chapter of the National Honor Society has opened up for the season and welcomes a new group of sophomores and juniors who are brimming with excitement for this new experience.
The new inductees are eager to share their goals of what they hope to accomplish with this new title. Inductee Grace Atemnkeng, 10, for one, is ready to help out in community service organizations.
“I would really like to volunteer in some organizations like the Open Door Mission, where I can go out into the community and really help out,” said Atemnkeng.
Other students like Alexis Berthelsen, 10, want to participate in their church and NHS sponsored events at Westview.
“I think what I would like to spend most of my time helping out my church and doing activities with them,” said Berthelsen.
This excitement was kickstarted with the issuing of the acceptance letters on April 4, much to the joy and slight fear of the sophomores who were anxiously checking their mailboxes for a letter that holds an acknowledgment of honor and achievement. For those who got accepted, excited whispers and high fives were spread the following few days as they buzzed with anticipation for the upcoming induction ceremony described in the accepting letter.
The ceremony took place on April 24, at 6:00pm in the auditorium. Students came with their parents and quickly took their assigned seats. They talked quietly to each other before the ceremony began.
Although the weather became very unpredictable, with harsh winds and heavy rain, the students pulled through and didn’t let it stop them from coming to celebrate their accomplishments.
Ms. Weeder and Ms. Stover, the advisors of NHS, led the beginning of the ceremony by greeting everyone and introducing the student officers. President Andrew Calub then gave a speech about knowledge, Parliamentarian Song Minor gave a speech about character, Treasurer Niko Bailey talked about leadership, Vice President Sydney Phillips talked about scholarship, and Secretary Rylee Meysenburg talked about service.
“I had the honoring of announcing the names of students as they walked across the stage to get their certificate of induction,” said Stover
Stover also believed that the new inductees were gaining something very important that night, something that would help them in the future.
“It is a great honor and helpful to note on scholarships and applications that you have been a member.”
For many, this was such a thrilling experience because it marked a big shift of growing older and nearing the second half of their high school experiences.
A few older NHS members were also present. They acted as a guide and advisor to the younger members, passing on tips and encouraging excitement for the future members of the club. They helped serve the cake and refreshments to the inductees after the ceremony and throughout the rest of the night.
Current NHS member Olivia Simms, 11, was present at the honors ceremony and helped set up the commons for the post ceremony celebration. She shared high hopes for the new groups of inductees throughout the night.
“I think the new generation of NHS will bring in a dynamic group of students looking to better the Westview community,” said Simms.
Other current NHS members like Diana Tran, 12, were also present at the ceremony and the post celebration in the commons. She wasn’t able to give any advice to new members that night but still wants to tell them things that they should do to have the best possible experience in NHS.
“I unfortunately did not have the opportunity to interact with the new members since I was so busy, but I would have encouraged them to take on volunteering opportunities and share ideas for next year’s NHS to use. I think the new generation of NHS will bring on more activities and fundraisers, and I hope they will make a great impact on Westview,” said Tran.
The induction ceremony ushered in a new generation of NHS that have the chance raise the standard and help out within the community.
