May 20, 2024
By Rayan Yamout
Staff Writer
The LHS chapter of the World Language Honor Society held its annual induction ceremony on April 17 in the auditorium. Thirty-five new members were welcomed to the organization, doubling its size to 70 members.
The WLHS consists of two honor societies, the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (National Spanish Honor Society) and the Società Onoraria Italica (National Italian Honor Society). Twenty-seven of this year’s inductees belong to the SHH, and eight are in the SOI.
Italian teacher Signor Raguseo, who co-advises the LHS chapter of the WLHS with Spanish teacher Señora Rojas, said the organization honors students who excel in world language studies and promotes continued language study after high school.
“We stress the importance of learning another language, and it’s something [students] could put on their college applications,” Raguseo said.
To qualify for the SHH, students enrolled in Spanish III or higher had to attain at least an 85% average during the three semesters prior to induction. For entry to the SOI, students enrolled in Italian III or higher were required to attain at least a 90% average during the previous three semesters.
“It allows me to be among the most prolific Italian and Spanish-speaking students in the entire school. I had the privilege to learn not only new words and phrases but gain insight into other cultures.”
At the ceremony, inductees recited poems in unison and took an oath in their respective language. Then, the inductees received a pin and certificate to make their induction official.
The ceremony also included a speech from Class of 2019 graduate and former SHH member Konrad Skwara as well as a performance by the chorale.
Members of the WLHS participate in two main service events.
From September to November, they coach, run drills and play alongside special needs adults in the Lyndhurst Parks & Recreation’s Soccer Program for Exceptional Individuals.
At the start of the holiday season, the WLHS donates socks to Union City residents in need, with their most recent collection totaling 521 pairs.
Raguseo said prospective members must consider the time commitment the WLHS entails.
“You have to come to our meetings, you have to maintain [your] grades and you have to do some type of service,” Raguseo said.
SOI member senior Jacob Gilmore, who was inducted last year and participated in this year’s ceremony, said it is an honor to be in the WLHS.
“It allows me to be among the most prolific Italian and Spanish-speaking students in the entire school. I had the privilege to learn not only new words and phrases but gain insight into other cultures,” Gilmore said.
He said he is glad he joined the SOI.
“Being a member of the SOI has been a lot of fun. I learned a lot about giving back, teamwork and patience,” Gilmore said. “[Signor] Raguseo, is always challenging us to break out of our shells and [try] new experiences.”
Sophomore SHH inductee Vielka Castillo said she is proud to be part of the WLHS.
“Although Spanish is my first language, the Spanish taught in school is extremely different, so I do find it a nice accomplishment,” Castillo said.
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She said she joined the WLHS because of its long-term benefits.
“Being able to speak [Spanish] is something I can put on job applications as well as simply a nice skill for traveling and helping others,” Castillo said.
She said she hopes to remain in and contribute to the WLHS for the rest of her high school career.
“It will help me be more involved with the community and the language,” said Castillo.
