The 56th annual induction ceremony of the Georgia Lee Alford chapter of the National Honor Society unfolded on the evening of November 14th in Iva Walker Auditorium. The event was a celebration of academic prowess, service, leadership, and character, showcasing the commitment of exceptional high school students from James A Garfield High School.
For those unfamiliar with the National Honor Society (NHS) or its induction ceremony, the criteria for membership were highlighted at the commencement. Candidates must be juniors or seniors with a minimum 3.6 cumulative GPA, having attended James A Garfield High School for at least one semester. Upon meeting these requirements, candidates could apply for candidacy, be evaluated by a faculty council based on scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
Tradition and symbolism held significance throughout the ceremony, symbolized by the NHS colors of gold and royal blue, and its flower, the Yellow Rose. The emblem, consisting of a flaming torch and Keystone, represented the values cherished by the society—scholarship, service, leadership, and character. The ceremony included a symbolic lighting of candles representing these qualities by the National Honor Society officers, followed by speeches elucidating the importance of each pillar.
Lauren Evans, the secretary of the NHS, emphasized the essence of scholarship: “Learning is the most important skill to have in life. It’s a conscious choice you make… The possibilities are endless when you apply yourself and genuinely learn.”
Luke Finny, treasurer, delved into the power of service: “Imagine if 6 billion people did something positive once a month for the rest of their lives… That’s billions of positive actions each month.”
Grace Scirocco, the Vice President, spoke passionately about character: “Character is the essence of who we are. It’s about integrity, empathy, and perseverance. Good character is all about building relationships and being accountable.”
Aaron Rodhe, the President, defined leadership: “Leadership means being a sponge, humble enough to absorb all information around you… It’s about elevating those around you through their successes and failures.”
As the ceremony progressed, the formal induction involved the pledging of allegiance and the solemn pledge to the National Honor Society’s ideals. New inductees affirmed their commitment to uphold the Society’s values of scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Current members renewed their dedication, solidifying their resolve to maintain the high standards set by the NHS.
The culmination saw the inductees take the NHS oath, signifying their acceptance of responsibilities within the organization. The newest members were welcomed into the Georgia Lee Alfred chapter of the National Honor Society, marking the beginning of their journey to further excellence and contribution.
Congratulations to the 2023 inductees from James A. Garfield High School:
Meganne Veccia, Makaylyn Spencer, Abygail Seiler, Braeden Reynolds, Kylee Neer, Tyler Lutz, Hannah Kernig, Aidan Hill, Preston Gedeon, Nicholas Edic, Hallie Cebulla, Tessa Burnworth, Serena Blohm, McKenna Alai
As these newly-inducted members embark on their journey within the National Honor Society, they carry forth the torch of excellence, service, and leadership, poised to make a meaningful impact within their school, community, and beyond.
