After a full year of operating remotely, CCHS’s National Honor Society (NHS) was able to host a proper celebration for its graduates and inductees. Taking place in the auditorium on Friday, May 14, the esteemed club members along with sponsor Lindsay Roberts shared a special moment together before the end of the school year.
To make the event as safe as possible, only members were allowed in the auditorium and a link was sent out to any family and friends interested in watching the ceremony from home. Everyone at the school complied with social distancing rules as well as the usage of masks.
The event lasted a little over an hour, with senior and treasurer Rachel Goldberg singing the national anthem to kick off the event. Goldberg, along with historian Ryan Lewis, recording secretary Veronica Alvarado and parliamentarian Sabrina Rapoport delivered speeches on the values of NHS, based on the pillars of “Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character.”
“NHS has been so impactful in my high school career and will continue to be impactful for the rest of my life,” Rapoport said. “The event, although somewhat stressful to plan, was wonderful to attend. Being able to properly say goodbye to our seniors and welcome our inductees was amazing.”
“Being able to properly say goodbye to our seniors and welcome our inductees was amazing.”
NHS parliamentarian Sabrina Rapoport
During the ceremony, diplomas were handed out for inductees, while seniors received a rose and their blue graduation cord. A short video recapping the club’s projects by Lewis was included and projected on the auditorium screens.
“I found the ceremony really nice; being able to hear from the present officers and listen to their speeches gave me a deeper understanding of the club and made me appreciate my induction even more,” sophomore and inductee Kimberly Brower said. “I can’t wait to see what next year brings.”
In addition, the incoming and outgoing NHS officers performed the candlelight oath on the CCHS auditorium stage. The candlelight ceremony is carried out every year to signify the passing of the officer positions from one member to the next. The graduating officers also received a symbolic coin and a stole from Roberts to commemorate their dedication to the club.
“My favorite part of the induction was the candlelight oath,” junior and incoming NHS treasurer Louise McGovern said.
“My favorite part of the induction was the candlelight oath.”
Junior and incoming NHS treasurer Louise McGovern
Although the future of NHS remains uncertain, new members find themselves in a better position than last year. The new club members hope to be able to carry out service projects and form closer bonds with their peers.
“I am most excited to be in person for the upcoming school year and to participate in community service events such as food drives and reading to children at Joe DiMaggio hospital,” McGovern said.
At the end of the night, the officers surprised Roberts with a bouquet of flowers and a statement of gratitude for all that she has done this year for the club and its members as sponsor.
It was certainly an unconventional year, but NHS members were able to pull through and continue helping the community through service projects and volunteering, both remotely and socially distanced. It was a night to remember, celebrating everyone’s achievements.
Disclaimer: Camila Fernandez attended this event as both a reporter and an NHS graduate.
Photo courtesy of National Honor Society of Twitter
