On Thursday, December 19, 2013, students of Cardinal High School gathered in the gymnasium for the annual National Honor Society (NHS) induction ceremony. NHS is a prestigious organization that is made up of chapters in schools around the nation and recognizes exceptional students. Acceptance into NHS is based on four criteria: scholarship, character, leadership, and service.
Each year, the Cardinal chapter of NHS, led by teacher Carrie Korenke, invites all CHS students, staff, and school board members, and parents of new inductees to witness the swearing in of new members. This year, NHS President Kayla R. addressed the new inductees to explain the privileges and responsibilities that come with being a part of the organization. Current NHS members then carry a carnation to each newly accepted inductee and lead them to the podium where they are greeted by family and given their official NHS pin.
Current members include Kayla R., Miranda S., Chloe P., Amie K., Billie Jo A., Chad M., Emma R., and Tyler K. After all members were called, Miranda S. spoke to the new inductees about the importance of scholarship and making learning a lifelong endeavor. Chloe P. talked about the importance of character, and being a good person both in and out of school. Amie K. gave a speech on leadership, and Billie Jo A. spoke about service for the school, community, and country.
After the speeches, current member Chad M. read the pledge new inductees must take and current members renew. To conclude the ceremony each year, NHS members select a member from the staff to make a speech to the student body, and this year they chose Mr. Ben Clutter. He gave a humorous speech about superheroes, but then told everyone, “The real heroes are those around us who make us do better and be more.” He urged students to never become complacent and to always strive to do bigger and better things, to become real life heroes.
Pictured at the top of this article: NHS President Kayla R. addresses the new inductees.
