April is a new beginning for National Honor Society, a prestigious scholarly, and service organization for high school students. The NHS Induction Ceremony welcomed 18 members to the local organization on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at Morrison High School, 643 Genesee Avenue, Morrison, IL. There are now 30 members, as shown below in a photo by Nancy Gravert.
Principal Scott Vance welcomed the students and their families and introduced the 12 current members, shown left-to-right: Brandi Hosford, Cassidy VanZuiden, Elizabeth Buckwalter, Hannah Blacklock, Abby Mickley, in back–Trever Troutman and Katherine Bird, Allison Wiersema, Morgan McCulloh, Sarah VenHuizen, Anna Hogue, and Hannah Rillie.
Hogue introduced seven of these scholars, who provided special musical entertainment. They were Wiersema (vocal); VanZuiden (dance); McCulloh (vocal); Bird and Blacklock (dance duet); Buckwalter and Mickley (dance duet.)
The purpose of National Honor Society and criteria for membership were explained as candles were lit:
- Purpose–Rillie
- Service–VenHuizen
- Leadership–Troutman
- Scholarship–Hosford
- Character–Bird.
Blacklock, McCulloh, VanZuiden, and Wiersema conducted the Induction Ceremony. The names of 18 inductees were recited; each came forward. Scholars were presented a certificate of membership to honor the occasion. Gold and blue cords were ceremoniously draped around each person’s neck.
Shown left-to-right are the new members: Brennah Zuidema, Derek Montague, Kyle Workman, Isabel Vander Bleek, Amber Vegter, Abigail Kull, Madison Schlegel, Emily Kuehl, Anthony Tenboer, Noah Blacklock, Emily Clark, Ashley Greul, Adrienne Banks, Hunter Hamsta, Lakin Goodman, Kaleb Church, Triston Houzenga, and Kyle VanDerLeest.
As one voice the NHS members–led by Mickley–recited the National Honor Society Pledge: “I pledge myself always to seek the light of truth, to hold scholarly habits, to engage in worthy service, and to lead forward to all things that shall advance the welfare of the school.”
Buckwalter concluded the program, inviting the audience to enjoy refreshments in the cafeteria.
Although the evening focused on students, adults aided the program. Mrs. Bechtel, Mrs. Elfline, and Mrs. Rickertsen were the NHS program committee. Rich Criss and Kathy Janicek were piano accompanists.