The National Honor Society is an organization that recognizes students who demonstrate excellent academic achievement, character, service, and leadership, while also striving to make a positive impact in the school and community.
The idea was first established in 1921 by Dr Edward Rynearson and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, at 5th Avenue High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Rynearson’s goal was to create a national organization, outlining strong values that still define the NHS today.
The mission has always been to celebrate academic achievement while helping students develop leadership skills and promote strong character. Students wanting to join go through a careful selection process. First, the application is based upon 4 values: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. “I send the applications to a five-person committee. They review the applications and decide who’s accepted into the program,” says Mrs. Darlene Stefanski, advisor of NHS. This ensures that membership is earned fairly.
THE PURPOSE OF NHS
According to NHS bylaws: “The purpose of this organization shall be to foster enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to develop character and citizenship in the students of Independence High School.” For students, joining the National Honor Society is more than a program; it’s an opportunity to grow. The members set an example for others, showing their excellence goes beyond grades and extends into leadership.
TUTORING
A significant portion of what NHS offers is tutoring. Each member is required to complete 120 tutoring minutes per month for their service. Tutoring will take place in the IHS media center, before or after school, and is a perfect opportunity for students to get additional help.
NHS SENIOR OFFICERS
This year, NHS senior officers include the following: Tatiana Randjelovik taking the role of President, Lauren Dalrymple as Vice President, Sam Bernhardt serving as Vice President of Service, Brooke Coldsnow as Secretary, Steven Polasko serving as Treasurer, Lindsey Lieu as Historian, and Emily Gibbons as Sergeant at Arms.
INDUCTEES
Along with the officers and current members, the inductees appointed this year will help lead NHS. The members include the following: Daniel Alrabady (Junior), Penelope Averre (Junior), Carmen Chen (Junior), David Crooks (Junior), Jamie Donovan (Junior), Kylie Hanobik (Junior), Giovanni Hasrouni (Junior), Emma Iacianci (Junior), Julia Jurkiewicz (Junior), Robert Kalman (Junior), Shane Korinek (Junior), Josie McNamara (Junior), Brooke Patton (Senior), Lilia Pawuk (Junior), Mia Percaciante (Junior), Sophie Polter (Junior), Melina Rodriguez (Junior), Angel Sajan (Senior), Mae Sheehan (Senior), Rylee Shepard (Junior), William Stray (Junior), Ryan Suhy (Junior), and Alexander Waski (Senior).
CEREMONY
The National Honor Society induction ceremony began with Principal, Mr. Janatovich, welcoming everyone before Sergeant at Arms, Emily Gibbons, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and President Tatiana Randjelovik opened the evening by acknowledging current and new members. Secretary Brooke Coldsnow then spoke about the accomplishments and qualities of the inductees, soon leading into the candlelighting ceremony. Each pillar was presented by a speaker with a partner who lit the candle: Treasurer Steven Polasko spoke on character as member Matilda Averre lit the candle; Vice President Lauren Dalrymple explained scholarship while member Samantha Kandzer lit it; Historian Lindsey Lieu presented leadership with member Liam Rienerth lighting the candle; and Vice President of Service Sam Bernhardt spoke on service as member Haley Wilson lit the final candle. The ceremony highlighted ideals such as “the pursuit of knowledge is a journey without end”, said by President Dalrymple, and the reminder that leadership must be carried out “with courage, humility, and faith”, said by Historian Lieu. After guiding the inductees through the pledge, Sergeant at Arms Gibbons helped welcome them officially as new NHS members, closing a meaningful evening celebrating scholarship, character, leadership, and service.
