May 14, 2025
By Rayan Yamout
Editor
The LHS chapter of the World Language Honor Society held its annual induction ceremony in the auditorium on April 3, welcoming 41 new members and bringing its total membership to 75.
Initially established by former Spanish teacher Señora Novas in 1995, the chapter is made up of two honor societies: the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (National Spanish Honor Society) and the Società Onoraria Italica (National Italian Honor Society).
This year, 34 inductees joined the SHH, while seven became members of the SOI.
According to the WLHS Membership Rules and Regulations, its purpose is to recognize high achievement in world language studies, encourage continued interest in language learning, and promote appreciation for diverse cultures.
Spanish teacher Señora Rojas, who co-advises the WLHS with Italian teacher Signor Raguseo, said prospective inductees are recommended to the advisors by their world language teachers each year.
“[Signor Raguseo and I] follow up to ensure that students meet eligibility criteria and are interested in pursuing induction,” Rojas said.
Entry to the SHH requires students enrolled in Spanish III or above to maintain an average of at least 85% for the previous three semesters. Entry to the SOI requires students taking Italian III or higher to achieve a minimum average of 90% for the same duration before induction.
During the ceremony, inductees recited an oath and poem in their honor societies’ respective languages and were recognized with certificates and pins.
The induction featured a performance from the chorale and a speech titled “Language Learning is the Key to Success,” delivered by Class of 2019 graduate and former SHH member Grescia Aguilar.
Aguilar, who moved to the United States from Peru when she was nine years old, spoke no English. However, she passed her ESL assessments and placed out of ESL classes in middle school. As a high schooler, Aguilar took Advanced Placement and honors classes, going on to study architecture at Pennsylvania State University in University Park.
“That girl was so determined to excel,” said Rojas, who taught Aguilar in her former role as a districtwide K-8 teacher. “It’s a real, true ‘land of opportunities’ story. “[I] couldn’t be prouder if she were my own kid.”
Rojas said WLHS benefits students in multiple ways.
“Besides recognizing student achievement and promoting language learning, the WLHS [can be listed when students] apply for national scholarships and awards,” Rojas said.
WLHS president and SHH member senior Amelia Sanchez, who was inducted in 2023, said she is happy she decided to join the WLHS.
“I cannot imagine my life without speaking Spanish because I wouldn’t be the person I am today, have as many achievements as I do and communicate with the ones I love.”
“It has helped me gain new experiences and meet new people through volunteering,” Sanchez said. “It is another achievement of mine that has been added to my applications, both [for] college and scholarships.”
Sanchez said she enjoys participating in service projects and fundraisers that help the Palisades Emergency Residence Corporation and the Lyndhurst Parks & Recreation’s Soccer Program for Exceptional Individuals.
“My favorite part of being in WLHS is getting to volunteer, bake brownies or sell pumpkins with my friends who are also members,” Sanchez said. “The times we spend together helping society are some of my favorites.”
While she is not currently enrolled in Spanish, Sanchez is a student teaching assistant in Rojas’ Spanish I Honors class.
Sanchez, who was born in the Dominican Republic and has spoken Spanish her whole life, said the language will forever be significant to her.
“It is my culture, heritage and identity,” Sanchez said. “I cannot imagine my life without speaking Spanish because I wouldn’t be the person I am today, have as many achievements as I do and communicate with the ones I love.”
FACT BOX BY ALEXANDRA LOURENÇO
Junior Daniel Bojilov, who was inducted as an SHH member this year, said having studied Spanish from third grade to Spanish III-Honors will help him in his prospective business career.
“Knowing a bit of a language is always a bonus in the workforce and might [allow me] to help a customer without that much of a language barrier between us,” Bojilov said. “I’ve also learned about the culture, and if I travel to Spain, it can make it easier.”
Bojilov said his membership in WLHS will help distinguish him from other students when he applies to college next year.
“I was ready to meet the requirements needed to get inducted and took the opportunity to add another thing for colleges to see,” Bojilov said. “My hopes are to continue going to the meetings and maintaining the 85 average needed in Spanish class.”
Bojilov said he appreciated the professional manner in which the induction ceremony was rehearsed and executed.
“Having the practices in the auditorium and memorizing the poem we needed to recite at the ceremony really helped the way it was portrayed on stage,” Bojilov said. “The pins, certificates, Spanish and Italian flags and candle on the table helped signify honor and achievement.”
