Walpole High School hosted the annual National Honor Society induction ceremony on Tuesday, May 13 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. The 2019 graduating class consisted of 46 seniors who inducted 52 new juniors.
“The ceremony was a great night overall and recognized students who excel not only in the classroom but also as members of the WHS community as a whole,” said junior inductee Mei Totten. “I was proud to be surrounded by such important and impactful people for the night.”
At the ceremony, all graduating seniors read a speech about a special educator of their choice who had the most significant impact on their high school career. Each speech was about 30 seconds to a minute long and described how the special educator influenced the student during their time in high school, either through academics, sports, art, music, or other areas of influence.
In addition, NHS senior president Griffin Wilkins gave a short speech on NHS as a whole and his insight into the community from his unique position.
“Holding the highest title in the society was a cool experience,” said Wilkins. “People were looking to me to be a leader and to help make decisions for the group. I really felt that I had to make sure I kept the image of what NHS should be, so I saw myself turn into a better student because of it.”
Each junior in the incoming NHS class was welcomed into the society by a senior member. All juniors received a certificate and a pin on stage from the senior who inducted them. After all juniors received their pins and certificates, they were required to recite the National Honor Society pledge, which Walpole High School History teacher, Christopher Whittenhall recited.
“Its a night unlike any other one that we have here [at Walpole High School],” said Whittenhall. “This is something where people are coming together because they were purposely selected. Not only have they academically achieved, they’ve also done really exceptional things that make them exceptional people, as well as good students.”
With the graduating seniors leaving behind prominent positions in NHS, new offices were awarded to promising juniors who were selected to represent the NHS class of 2020 by their fellow peers. The National Honor Society class of 2020 elected Naomi Fitzgerald as their new president.
“I am ever so grateful that this group of such talented, intelligent people have chosen me to be their President,” said Fitzgerald. “I appreciate this amazing opportunity and plan to work as hard as I can so the group can accomplish as much as we can!”
Fitzgerald will work alongside the two newly elected Vice Presidents who will strive to make a significant impact on the NHS community as a whole.
“I plan to involve the NHS students in opportunities that will benefit the WHS community as a whole,” said co-Vice President Hallie McLaughlin. “I also hope to encourage each member to continue to strive towards their goals, be positive role models, and exemplify the four principles of this society: scholarship, leadership, service, and character.”
In addition to Fitzgerald and McLaughlin being elected, Mckayla Preto was elected as the other vice president, Emily DeVito was chosen as secretary, and Jennifer Atallah was awarded historian.
“I also hope to encourage each member to continue to strive towards their goals, be positive role models, and exemplify the four principles of this society: scholarship, leadership, service, and character.”- NHS Vice President Hallie McLaughlin
At the ceremony, senior NHS member, Katie Hurwitz, was recognized for receiving that National Honor Society Scholarship which is “awarded to outstanding NHS senior members” (nhs.com) throughout the country.
“NHS is a club that recognizes students who are not only scholars but who display character, leadership, and service,” said Albertelly. “This year, Katie Hurwitz was awarded the prestigious National Honor Society scholarship, a national award, for her contributions.”
The ceremony concluded another year of hard work for the senior members, who left behind a legacy that the new NHS class of 2020 hopes to uphold and build upon in their time at Walpole High School.
“In my opinion, you basically have some of the best kids that we have to offer at this every year,” said Whittenhall. “Every year that I go to it, it is always one of my favorite nights of the year.”