National Honor Society (NHS) is a prestigious student organization across the nation and within Bethel Park, as it recognizes outstanding students that excel in each of the four pillars: Scholarship, Service, Character, and Leadership. These students exemplify a vast array of skills that deem them notable in each of the four pillars of NHS.
In regards to the four pillars, first you must acquire a cumulative QPA of 3.85 or higher. Secondly, you must perform 35 hours of community service from the start of the fourth quarter of the year prior, and thirdly, have visual proof of leadership. The paperwork process is very daunting and arduous. In addition to 35 hours of community service and visual proof of leadership, two teacher recommendations and an essay are all required for induction into this prominent organization.
The National Honor Society Ceremony for its ninety-nine new inductees took place on the evening of Thursday, April 18, 2013 in the High School auditorium. The ceremony commenced with a speech by Dr. Jansante, which followed with a speech by Kaitlyn Wagner, the current NHS president, about remarkable accomplishments and records surpassed this year.
Kaitlyn mentioned that the Surprise Boxes, run by the PR & Fundraising Committee, supported local businesses by giving away gift cards and even Taylor Swift Tickets to students who bought a box for $10. These Surprise Boxes reeled in approximately $700, and the proceeds went to Military Connections.
In addition, Kaitlyn said that the winter clothing drive was a big hit among the student body. New and slightly used winter clothes and apparel were collected to support Military Connections.
Furthermore, Glow Fest, which packed 710 students into the cafeteria for a huge “neon party,” yielded approximately $6,400, which was never done before, noted Kaitlyn. The proceeds went to NHS Scholarships, and a large chunk of the money went to a student who recently lost both his parents. Glow Fest was directed and organized by Meghan McLinden, the Chairmen of the NHS Dance and Induction Committee, and Shannon Fagan and Sarah Buczkowski.
Kailtyn added that NHS also founded and inducted the first class of The BP Great Alumni Hall of Fame.
Kaitlyn closed this long list of accomplishments by highlighting that the Battle of the Bands is approaching very quickly and to start thinking about purchasing tickets.
Next, the NHS officers and eBoard members spoke about each pillar of the organization – Divya Raghu spoke about leadership, Rachel Wyda spoke about service, Juli Buchwald spoke about scholarship, and Meghan McLinden spoke about character. The four officers and eBoard members relayed a powerful message to the new inductees: with this honor comes great responsibility.
Then, Mr. Lorenzi, the sponsor of NHS, spoke about the organization as a whole and what they’re about. He said, “Thank you to everyone who had a hand in a very successful year for our chapter. 2012-2013 was a banner year for the NHS here at Bethel Park. Both the Fundraising and Community Service efforts were fantastic. In fact, this year over 5,000 hours of community service had been given by our current members.”
Mr. Lorenzi went on to say to the inductees, “Now that you have achieved entrance into the NHS, it is expected that you not only maintain the same level of commitment to the four pillars and to your fellow man, but also strive to continue to grow in each category.”
After, the guest speaker was introduced: Dr. Andrew Zentner, an astrophysics professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Click here to learn more information about Dr. Zentner.
Dr. Zentner‘s speech wasn’t traditional, as past guest speakers stood at the microphone and spoke. Dr. Zentner demonstrated his exuberance when he pranced around stage and jokingly used his foot to navigate his MacBook. His presentation consisted of a PowerPoint with quirky Yoda slides showing inspirational Star Wars quotations, and how they relate to each of the four pillars.
“When I think about character there are lots of things that come to my mind first, explained Dr. Zentner, helping people out, being honest, and all that stuff. I think one of the important things that you have to keep in my mind is be humble. My 7 year old unfortunately will go around telling people that he is the humblest person he knows.”
After Dr. Zentner spoke, the ceremony concluded with Kaitlyn Wagner and Dr. Jansante conferring certificates to the inductees while Mr. Lorenzi read off the names.
This was followed by a plethora of cookies, treats, and punch located in the cafeteria.
For more information on NHS, please visit:
http://www.nhs.us/tabid/2126/default.aspx
http://www.bpsd.org/hsNHS.aspx
http://www.bphawkeye.org/student-life/2012/04/16/the-best-of-the-best-national-honor-society/
