2005 Year in Review
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National Honor Society Induction |
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Morrison Community High School held its National Honor Society Induction ceremony Wednesday evening, April 6, 2005 in the auditorium. Principal Janet Ward welcomed everyone to the ceremony after which Mrs. Gerry Elfline introduced each of the current Honor Society members. Stacy Belha – Stacy was on the Pom Pon squad all four years of high school where she served as captain for one year; she was a member of student council, dance studio for 14 years, High Honor Roll all four years, was named the Foreign Language Pacesetter and IDTA Class A Kick where she was a four time state champion. Stacy’s future plans are to attend a four-year university and receive her BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) and then going on to graduate school to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Casey Beswick – Casey was a cheerleader, participated in tumbling, was a member of Illinois Math League, was on the High Honor Roll and an Illinois State Scholar. Casey plans to attend Kent State University in Kent, Ohio where she will study marketing. Rachel Fedyk – Rachel was a member of the High School Swim Team, track and Student Council, all four years of high school, she was a member of Illinois Math League sophomore through senior years, was named Wells Fargo Pacesetter, Illinois State Scholar and USA Swimming All Academic All American. Rachel plans to attend West Virginia University and participate in swimming. She will major in Pre-Veterinary-Animal Sciences. She then plans to transfer to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vet School. After graduating she plans to work as a veterinarian. Larry Gatz – Larry was a member of Illinois Math League, participated in four plays and musicals was on the Scholastic Bowl all four years where he was a team captain, he was also an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. Larry’s future plans are to attend Valparaiso University to receive a master’s degree in electrical engineering. He plans to use that to get a job in the medical field. Cassie Hanson – Casey was on the volleyball and softball team, was named an All-Conference player in softball, was a member of Student Council for two years and she was named Quad City Times Young Journalist of the Year in 2005. Cassie plans to attend Clinton Community College and major in nursing. Kendal McDearmon – Kendal participated in football and baseball all four years of high school, was a member of the Illinois Math League for three years and was named Pacesetter of the Year in Practical Arts. Kendal plans to attend Judson College or Trinity International University to major in business management. Laura Prange – Laura was a member of the volleyball team three years and Madrigals two years, she attended Scholastic Art workshops. Laura plans to go to Illinois State University or Bradley University to study graphic design. Amanda Smith – Amanda was in swimming, basketball and track all four years of high school, was a member of Illinois Math League three years, was a recipient of the DAR award, was an Illinois State Scholar and an English Pacesetter. Amanda plans to attend Western Illinois University, majoring in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She will then complete graduate school at the University of Illinois. Amanda would like to obtain a career within Illinois and aspire to manage her own veterinary clinic. Brittany Smith – Brittany participated in softball and volleyball all four years of high school, was named Foreign Language Pacesetter and All-Conference Team in softball. Brittany plans to attend Monmouth College and play softball. Megan Tenboer – Megan participated in swimming and was on Student Council all four years of high school, she was an Illinois State Scholar and a member of Madrigals. Megan plans to attend the University of Wisconsin – Platteville to achieve her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology. Upon finishing her initial years she will attend a graduate school on the west coast to get her specialized master’s degree in Marine Biology. William Thorndike – William was a member of Quiz Bowl, Robed Choir, Key Club and Student Council. He was president of his senior class and named Governor at Illinois Boy’s State. William plans to attend University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to major in Mechanical Engineering. Doug Vandermyde – Doug was a three-sport athlete participating in football, basketball and track. He was a member of Illinois Math League, received the Bausch and Lomb Science Award, was an Illinois State Scholar and attended Nationals in Chemistry Olympiad. Doug plans to attend Iowa State University or the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to major in Chemical Engineering. He will take an internship or co-op through college. He would like to develop medicines after college. Rachel Fedyk read the facts of National Honor Society and the Purpose. Amanda Smith lit the large center candle on the table as Rachel read its meaning. Purpose – The National Honor Society is founded upon the principles of scholarship, leadership, service and character. Central to all of these principles is knowledge and is represented by a large candle. Knowledge is the one great element in life and leads to the highest success, and it can be acquired only through diligence and effort. Through knowledge we gain scholarship, leadership, service and character. A candle’s but a simple thing:
Life seems so like that bit of string:
As returning members of Morrison’s Chapter of National Honor Society. It is our role to initiate the incoming members. Casey Beswick explained the red candle is for Sservice as Brittany Smith lit the candle. Service – The red candle of service symbolizes the unselfish devotion, which gives itself to the service of one’s home, church, and nation. Service should extend to every phase of our daily activities. Many students have the scholastic ability to become members of the National Honor Society, but scholarship is useless unless they possess the selfless quality of service. Service includes cooperation with teachers and students, participation in school activities, and helping to make school a better place. Those who work as aides and tutors, participate in dramatics and music, belong to clubs and organizations, or compete in athletics are serving the school. Community service groups such as scouts, 4-H, church youth groups, and volunteering are also providing an essential element. Without service, scholarships, leadership and character, are hollow words. So what good is scholarship if the scholar doesn’t use that knowledge for others; what good is leadership if the leader doesn’t serve others, and what good is character if it isn’t an example to others? Cassie Hanson read the meaning of the blue candle, which is Leadership as Megan Tenboer lit the candle. Leadership – The blue candle of leadership represents the royal aspect of leadership. Since time began there have been leaders in society. Some have won distinction by physical power and have maintained it by force, but in our country leaders are chosen by the people. The power to lead is a wonderful gift if used wisely. Leadership in school life is demonstrated in various ways. One of the most important ways is by holding office in clubs or classes. Another path to leadership comes from participation in athletics, for it is here that a student develops the qualities of responsibility and sportsmanship. More unnoticed than either of these is the quiet leadership in the classroom – by leading class discussion or often by the simple force of example. Our country feels an increasing need for leaders in thought, work, and action. A leader must keep faith with the trust, which is placed in him or her by classmates in recognition of those leadership skills. It is the power of leadership that blazes the trail for mankind’s upward skills. It is the power of leadership that blazes the trail for mankind’s upward climb. National Honor Society expects its members to be leaders in school and leaders in life as they pursue their various professions. Stacy Belha told the meaning of the gold candle, which is Scholarship as William Thorndike lit this candle. Scholarship – The gold candle of scholarship symbolizes the light of knowledge as it shines in the darkness of ignorance. Its light will illuminate the future of the world. Each year our colleges and universities are turning out a steady stream of chemists, mathematicians, journalists, teachers, doctors, nurses, computer specialists, business administrators, and skilled workers in every vocational field imaginable. Among these thousands, each of you will some day take your place. Your success in your chosen occupation will depend on your ability to understand and apply the lessons you receive in school. Knowledge is indispensable. The grades a person receives in high school will not be a true test of knowledge but will only tend to show the type of work one is capable of doing later on in college or on the job. The practical knowledge you have will often compliment any wisdom you may have gained from books. It is true that the Honor Society is looking for students who have high scholastic averages, but we are also searching for the quality of everyday understanding. Its members must continue to grow in wisdom and to uphold its scholastic requirements to the fullest degree. The rays of knowledge have shown, unflickering, through the ages past and will continue to brighten the tomorrows. Will you bask in the warmth of its light or will you constantly grope in darkness? I ask you to consider what it has to offer: First, freedom – for knowledge is truth and the truth will set your free; Second, a chance to succeed – you hold your success in your willingness to learn; Third, a place in the future – the sky won’t be your limit, but your knowledge will be. Laura Prange explained the meaning of the white candle, which is Character as Kendal McDearmon lit this candle. Character – The white candle symbolizes the purity of character for which everyone in your society must strive. In her commencement address to Marlboro College in 1975, Helen Gahagan Douglas said: “Character isn’t inherited. One builds it daily by the way one thinks and acts, thought-by-thought, action-by-action. If one lets fear or hate or anger take possession of the mind, they become self-forged chains.” Before becoming a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mrs. Douglas was an actress and member of the Farm Security Administration during the 1930s.Her first run for the Senate ended in defeat to Richard Nixon. A National Honor Society member does not just let character develop; each individual must forge a character for oneself. Goals are essential to the development of character. Although the goals that we aim for may seem unattainable, we each need to strive toward that vision of success. We believe that character is the making of life. Not only do we believe that a person’s character is measured by words and deeds but also by thought and motives. Following the lighting of the candles, special performances were presented by Julianna Karveluis who was accompanied by Glenna Murphy as she performed Sonata Movement #3 by Paul Creston on the alto saxophone. William Thorndike with Connie Swanson-Despain accompanying him played Concerto #2 by Mozart on the flute. Elizabeth Lee, accompanied by Glenna Murphy finished this part of the program playing Concertino by Chaminade on the flute. Rachel Fedyk and James Vandermyde introduced the new members to the National Honor Society. Amanda Smith and Larry Gatz presented them with honor cords. New members who were inducted included: Stephanie Andersen (Junior) – Stephanie was a pom pon for three years, a member of Student Council two years, Illinois Math League, 2 years, served on the prom committee for one year, was in youth group for three years, took dance for 13 years and was a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. She was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Stephanie’s hobbies include scrap booking and reading. Katie Barnett (Junior) – Katie is a pom pon and was also a member of competition pons. She takes dance at Leanne’s Dance Connection. Her hobbies include dancing. Brent Beveroth (Junior) – Brent has participated in football and baseball all three years of high school, was a member of Illinois Math League for three years and FFA for two years where he is secretary. Brent’s hobbies include snowboarding, dirt biking, outdoor activities and sports. Jen Bush (Junior) – Jen participated in cheerleading, softball and gymnastics, was a member of Illinois Math League and Student Council where she was historian in 2003-2004. Jen’s hobbies include gymnastics. Allison Connelly (Junior) - Allison is a member of band, Key Club, Illinois Math League and helps in tutoring. Allison’s hobbies include writing, poetry and reading. Tony Damhoff (Junior) – Tony has participated in track and basketball, member of Illinois Math League, FFA treasurer, was class president his freshman year. He is active in the Morrison Christian Reformed Church and is statistician for Sauk Valley Community College Men’s basketball team. Tony’s hobbies include paintball, kayaking, fishing and camping. Jessica Deets (Junior) – Jessica is a Student Council and Illinois Math League member, participated in softball and basketball and is active in 4-H. She attended 21st Century Leaders Conference. Jessica’s hobbies include scrap booking and shopping. Greg Frickenstein (Junior) – Greg participated in baseball where he was named All-Conference honorable mention his sophomore year. In football he was named to two First Team All-Area teams and second team and was named All-Conference his junior year. He is a member of Illinois Math League and he also helped the Athletic Boosters develop a database for alumni letter projects. He is a volunteer for Junior Tackle Football camp fundraising efforts. Greg’s interests include sports and the Internet. Daniel Kaiser (Junior) – Daniel has participated in varsity golf, Illinois Math League, Student Council, band, church alter server and Bowling League. Daniel’s hobbies are hanging out with friends, cars, golfing and fishing. Julianna Karvelius (Junior) – Julianna is a member of Concert Band, Key Club, Quiz Bowl, Sterling Municipal Band, Pit Band, and Jazz Band. She participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters program, tutored and attended music festivals and contests. Julianna’s hobbies include reading, arranging music and coin collecting. Liz Lee (Junior) – Liz is a member of Key Club, concert band, Sterling Municipal Band, Dixon Municipal band, Pit Band and participated in varsity volleyball and music festivals and contest. Liz’s hobbies include reading and playing music. Emily Miller (Junior) – Emily was a member of cheerleading, choir and Key Club. Austin Rickels (Junior) – Austin has participated in football and basketball all three years where he received his varsity letter in both sports. He was a member of Illinois Math League, Student Graduation Committee and a volunteer for Junior Tackle football camp. Austin’s hobbies include golfing, kayaking, and fishing. Ryan Schisler (Junior) – Ryan participated in baseball and football all three years and was a member of Illinois Math League and FFA for two years. In baseball he was named First Team All-Conference – 2nd Team and All-Area Academic All-Conference. In football he was named Honorable Mention All-Conference. Ryan’s hobbies include reading and staying active outside. Andrew Tenboer (Junior) - Andrew participated in basketball and golf all three years and was a member of Illinois Math League for two years. In basketball he received his varsity letter and in golf he was voted most improved and received three varsity letters. Andrew’s hobbies include golfing, fishing and bowling. Brianna Tichler (Junior) – Brianna is active in Key Club, youth fellowship, Ebenezer Reformed Church group, participated in the musical and in Winterfest Missions and aided in tutoring. She was named to Who’s Who in High School students and High Honor Roll. Brianna’s hobbies include hanging out with friends and recycling. Allyson VanBuren (Junior) – Allyson is a member of Student Council, Key Club, volleyball, Madrigals, Chorus, speech team, Trinity United Methodist Church Youth Group, Ebenezer Reformed Church Youth group, and Youth Outreach group of the Rock River Valley. She helped in tutoring, appeared in plays, was on High Honor Roll and had perfect attendance. Allyson’s hobbies include reading, listening to music and shopping. Ashley Vegter (Junior) – Ashley participated in volleyball, Student Council, 4-H, nursery at church, Youth Group and was a Camp Counselor. Ashley’s hobbies include dance and volleyball. Jamie Ware (Senior) – Jamie has been in pom pons where she is part of a two year state champion group and Key Club all four years of high school, has received several gold and platinum ratings from JDC Dance Company, SVCC Dual enrollment and was on Sauk’s Dean’s List, she was a junior tackle cheerleading head coach, in Jazz band three years and participated in the school musicals two years. She received the Quad City Times Service Award and was on the Morrison High School honor roll all four years. Jamie’s future plans are to attend Illinois State University and major in Speech Pathology. Her employment goals are to work as a speech pathologist in a school district. Bridgett Wood (Junior) – Bridgett participated in varsity track and received Three Rivers Conference Academic honors and her varsity letter, junior varsity golf, band, was a member of Key Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Sterling Municipal Band, Illinois Math League, Quiz Bowl and Jazz Band. She also aided in tutoring. Bridgett’s hobbies include reading and computers. Monica Wright (Senior) – Monica was a member of softball and volleyball all four years of high school. She helped with the Tsunami Relief and attended church functions. She was Conference Player of the Year, All Conference, 2nd Team All State for softball and 2nd Team All Conference in volleyball two years. She was Academic All Conference, High Honor Roll and 1St Team All Area. Monica plans to attend the University of Northern Iowa. She will be playing softball and studying to be an athletic trainer. All the members 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. Larry Gatz closed the program with a thank you and an invitation for those attending to stay for refreshments. For more photos of Honor Night Click Here by Editor, theCity1.com |
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