CONNEAUT — Suspense could be felt throughout the halls of Conneaut High School this past week with the induction of new members into the National Honor Society. The National Honor Society consists of an elite group of students who exemplify the four characteristics for which the organization stands for: scholarship, leadership, service and character. Conneaut High School has a unique tradition of acceptance notification. New inductees are “kidnapped” by current members and given an NHS ribbon during their first period class. They are then led to the library for a special breakfast provided by the pre-existing members.
Junior inductee Katie Richards said she was excited and surprised when she received the news that she was accepted and is most excited about helping people through the service projects and going on the trip.
Principal Dawn Zappitelli made a special appearance at the breakfast. She congratulated the eager inductees on being accepted and explained their important leadership role in the high school.
National Honor Society adviser, Angela Nelson, was just as enthusiastic to be returning for her second year. “Last year was my first year and I learned a lot. I plan to make it more service-oriented this year,” said Nelson. She said she enjoys working with the students to help better the community.
Each member is required to complete 10 hours of community service per year and also participate in several service projects. Some of the most successful service projects in past years include the semi-annual blood mobile and “pennies for patients,” which raised $500. This year NHS hopes to adopt a family in need through the Holiday Angels Loving Others program and to collect food for the Conneaut Food Pantry.
One of the biggest perks associated with being inducted into the National Honor Society is having the opportunity to travel. This year, members are looking forward to experiencing city life in Boston, Mass.
Senior Steven Joslin said he wants to go see Fenway Park and the harbor.
While the trip can be a financial burden, students have many opportunities to raise money. In the past some members have even met the total cost in this way.
Senior Alexandra Nardo finds the fund-raisers to be helpful. “We do fund-raisers like making hoagies and selling candles and candy during school,” Nardo said. “Most of the time if you try hard enough, you can pay for most of your trip.”
As a student-run organization, there are many leadership opportunities which must be filled. This year’s leaders include: president, Tevin Colbert; vice president, Megan Gebhardt; treasurer, Kiersten Weidler; secretary, Nichele Johnson; historian, Kayla Reardon; and public relations officer, Alexandra Nardo.
Senior Megan Gebhardt finds being a member of National Honor Society to be very rewarding. “To me, NHS is a distinctive honor and I feel proud to represent my school,” Gebhardt said. “I enjoy helping the community by helping in service projects and the school.”
Inductees and their families are invited to the official induction ceremony which will take place 6 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Conneaut High School cafeteria. At the ceremony the traditional candlelight ritual is held along with taking the oath of induction. Both previous and new members will surely leave their mark on Conneaut High School by contributing scholarship, leadership, service and character.
