Dec. 11, 2023
By Jessica Cerrito
Staff Writer
The LHS chapter of the National Honor Society held its annual induction ceremony on Nov. 21 in the auditorium. With 16 senior and 28 junior inductees, a total of 44 students were welcomed into the organization.
The NHS has approximately 1.4 million members across the country and recognizes high-achieving high school students who show exceptional commitment to its four pillars: character, leadership, scholarship and service.
Science teacher Ms. Manzella, who co-advises the LHS chapter of the NHS with math teacher Ms. Smietana, said members benefit beyond the recognition that comes from being a member of such a prestigious group.
“It gives students a chance to be part of both a local and national organization that provides opportunities for them to work and interact with other students, build their leadership skills and participate in a variety of service activities to help their community,” Manzella said.
Juniors and seniors who have taken at least one Advanced Placement, dual enrollment or honors course in an academic subject and have a weighted GPA of 3.7 or higher at the start of the academic year were invited to apply.
“Students who [met] the scholarship requirement [had] an opportunity to complete a portfolio showing evidence of the accomplishments in and commitment to service, leadership and character,” Manzella said.
The portfolio included documentation of membership in three or more school activities, evidence of leadership and participation in community service, clear disciplinary and attendance records and a positive character proven through teacher recommendations and faculty evaluations.
“It was rewarding to hear all the applause from friends, peers, teachers, staff and parents.”
Manzella said each applicant’s portfolio was reviewed by a faculty council that voted to decide if the portfolio and materials presented met the requirements for membership.
Once admitted to the NHS, students must complete about 50 service hours per year, attend monthly meetings and maintain a GPA of at least 3.5. To remain in the organization, students must also have at least one AP, dual enrollment, honors, peer group or Virtual High School course in their schedule.
At last month’s induction ceremony, the inductees were joined by 26 senior members who were inducted last year. Families of the NHS members and inductees, LHS faculty, staff and administrators as well as Board of Education members were in attendance.
The ceremony included an address by 1962 LHS alumnus and philanthropist Phil Ciarco and a performance by the chorale. To make the induction official, each new member placed a lit candle in a candle holder, signed the NHS registry book that has been used since the late 1920s, received a certificate from vice principal Mr. Venezia and took the NHS honor oath.
Vice president of the NHS senior Michael Rizzo introduced Ciarco during the ceremony. Rizzo said he loved Ciarco’s speech in which he used his experiences to illustrate how upholding the four pillars paves the path to a happy and successful life.
“Mr. Ciarco is a true embodiment of the four pillars of the NHS. His speech was amazing and extremely personal,” Rizzo said. “My favorite moment was when he told us that there would be problems today, in the past and more to come in the future and that we have to just keep persevering through it all.”
Rizzo said he looks forward to volunteering and serving his community with the NHS this year.
“Mr. Ciarco lives by the saying, ‘You spend your first 30 years learning, the second 30 earning and the last 30 returning,’” Rizzo said. “I want to do just that by making the best of my last year in NHS and learning all that I can from the opportunities provided to me. After all, there will never be a time like now.”
Senior PJ Torres, who was among the inductees, said he felt many emotions during the ceremony.
“I worked so hard to achieve this amazing goal, so while at first, I felt nervous sitting on a stage in front of a large crowd, I let it go and was able to feel proud and excited as I just became a member of the NHS,” Torres said.
He said his favorite part of the ceremony was when Venezia congratulated the inductees on becoming members of the NHS.
“It was rewarding to hear all the applause from friends, peers, teachers, staff and parents,” Torres said. “To any students who are hoping to join NHS, if you are eligible to join, do it. It may add stress to yourself, but it proves rewarding in the end.”
Junior Danica Ferrulli, who was also among the inductees, said she decided to apply to the NHS to enhance her college application next year.
“Colleges recognize applicants’ academic and service commitment to being a part of this program,” Ferrulli said.
She said she enjoyed the solemn but relaxed atmosphere of the ceremony.
“The ceremony was a great way to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the new inductees. It was truly a special and meaningful event,” said Ferrulli.
FACT BOX BY CAMILLE ECHOLS
