The Georgia Lee Alford Chapter of the National Honor Society held its 58th annual induction ceremony at James A. Garfield High School, welcoming 24 new members in a ceremony that honored scholarship, leadership, service, and character — the four pillars at the heart of NHS.
Senior Mandy Cardinal opened the evening by explaining the significance of the event and the standards each inductee had met to earn their place.
Kaelyn Tasker led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Riley Grace, who framed the evening’s purpose.
The ceremony then turned to the four officers, each reflecting on a pillar of the organization.
Elise Edwards spoke first on scholarship, emphasizing that true learning extends beyond grades.
Speaking on service, Makenna Guyette reflected on how small acts of kindness can have lasting influence.
On behalf of Elizabeth Proya, Lily Shay addressed the pillar of character. She broke the idea down into three essential traits — kindness, honesty, and responsibility.
The final officer to speak, Olivia Grcar, president of the chapter, reflected on leadership.
After the speeches, new members were called forward to light their candles from those of current members, symbolizing the passing of knowledge and responsibility. Each new inductee took the National Honor Society pledge before receiving their certificate and a yellow rose.
Advisor Doug Engelhart concluded the ceremony with words of encouragement. “The pillars of the National Honor Society—Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character—remind us that learning, serving, leading, and living with integrity all work together,” he said. “True greatness isn’t found in titles or awards, but in how we use what we’ve learned and who we are to lift others up.”
2025 Inductees – Gavin Barnard, Hannah Timmons, Cole Miller, Abraham Wohlever, Kylene McMayon, Quinn Roborecki, Olivia Zicari, Olivia Seaborn, Aaron Evans, Madison Sterrett, Charlee Hill, Ruby Price, Chloe Heasley, Luke Kaufman, Eva VonBergen, Ryan Stonestreet, Lillie Fynes, Madelyn Smerkar, Emily Fonseca, Lindsey Rabatin, Rebecca Evans, Sanura Oliver, Madisyn Seiler, and SadieMae Ewell.
Current Members – Dakota Stanley, Addison Truce, Holden Kissel, Derik Stanley, Reese Shirkey, Mandy Cardinal, Kaelyn Tasker, Riley Grace, Elise Edwards, Makenna Guyette, Elizabeth Proya, Lily Shay, and Olivia Grcar.
