Fifty-one students were inducted into the High School's chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) during the chapter's 67th annual ceremony held on Oct. 28.

Membership is an honor bestowed upon a student based on the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, character, leadership and service. Once selected, members have the responsibility to continue to demonstrate these qualities.

“Each of you is being recognized this evening because of the positive choices that you have made as individuals,” said NHS Advisor Emily Ruffino during the induction ceremony. “Tonight’s inductees include musicians and performers who lead our talented band, chorus, and drama club; students who have volunteered at area hospitals; accomplished athletes who are role models for their teammates; students who have served in their places of worship, at food pantries, and at animal shelters; members of community organizations like Scouts and 4-H; and leaders in school clubs and organizations. Tonight, we honor your accomplishments.”

Inductees are:

She stressed to the new inductees that membership is more than just an honor.

“It incurs a responsibility and an obligation to continue to demonstrate these outstanding qualities that resulted in your selection,” Mrs. Ruffino said. “Your membership also carries a responsibility to the chapter. If our chapter is to be effective and meaningful, each member must become involved. The Faculty Council has identified you as leaders of character, and it is our expectation that you will continue to embody high standards of character, leadership, scholarship and service.”

Mrs. Ruffino also reminded inductees they are role models for the high school and greater Minisink Valley school communities.

“Turn your challenges into opportunities,” she added. “When you make mistakes, learn from them. Remember that you will always have much to learn, and that learning can happen anywhere. Approach your daily life with integrity and positivity. Be dependable and honest. Continue to hold yourself to high standards, even when no one is watching.”

NHS is one of the oldest, largest, and most widely recognized co-curricular student organizations in U.S. high schools, with 1.4 million members. Its purpose is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to recognize outstanding students, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership and to develop student character.