By PALNA MEHTA, junior

The National Honor Society conducted its annual ceremony to induct juniors and seniors into the organization on December 11.

The night began with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, which was immediately followed by a rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” by eight chamber choir members, led by senior Shiv Nadkarni. Senior chamber choir performer and NHS member Joanna Kantilierakis commented, “Having the opportunity to sing ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ was surreal, because just last year, I was the one in the audience watching the seniors perform. It was definitely a bittersweet moment.”

After the singing of the national anthem and a short introduction by NHS president Jennifer Burkhart, Ms. Pawlikowski congratulated the new inductees and explained the importance of taking initiative once inducted into the society. Then, the board explained the significance of the four pillars of the society: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. After explaining each pillar, the board member lit the candle that represented that particular pillar.

Following the ceremony, the inductees lined up along the sides of the auditorium to light their own candles and recited the National Honor Society pledge. After the pledge, the chamber choir octet led the singing of the Alma Mater.  Upon finishing the song, the inductees extinguished their candles and began the traditional walk up the stage where they were presented certificates and flowers.  After inductees descended the flight of stairs from the stage, they signed their names in the JP Stevens chapter of the NHS ledger and proudly returned to their seats as honorary members of the society.

After thanking the students and teachers who had contributed in making the induction a success and once again congratulating the new inductees, the board members concluded the ceremony and invited the students and the audience members to the small reception in the cafeteria.

Upon leaving the auditorium, family members congratulated the students who headed toward the cafeteria to enjoy a wonderful array of desserts all catered by FCCLA. Junior Samika Parab remarks, “We are all so grateful to have supportive family members, advisors, friends and teachers who were with us every step of the way, through the application process and the induction itself.  National Honor Society is extremely prestigious. We are all honored to be part of something like this and to receive such merit for it as well.”

Of course, the ceremony could not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the NHS board members and the advisor Mrs. Hasner. By planning, organizing, and conducting an afterschool rehearsal along with multiple club meetings, they were able to ensure that the night ran smoothly and that the ceremony was one to remember for all new and old members.

The night marked the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of these students. It marked the beginning of their journeys as scholars and leaders. It marked the start of their quest to spread their good character and their willingness to serve others. As Principal Pawlikowski explained in her speech, the induction is not the end, but in fact, just the beginning.