Over 70 juniors and seniors were inducted into the 2013-2014 National Honor Society. As President Kristen Zdon announced the inductees, parents and administrators watched with pride as they joined the high ranking society.

In order to be eligible for the NHS, students must maintain a GPA of 3.65 or higher, complete multiple hours of community service and volunteering, fill out an extensive form and complete an essay. Several teachers scrutinized each applicant’s application and debated on who fit their criteria.

“The teacher council looks for students who are active in school with service activities and the community,” said teacher Judith Knisely.

Letters of acceptance were mailed out to students the week of October 14 and the induction took place at 7pm on October 22, 2013. Juniors who did not get accepted this year have the chance to earn a spot again their senior year.

The Harmonics welcomed the inductees with the singing of the national anthem and school song.
“The ceremony was very classy,” said Ed Herbold.

Guest speaker Jonita Shoaff took the stage next in an attempt to bring the inductees together and shed light on their huge accomplishment. She is the program coordinator for Harford Community College at the W.A.G.E. Connection. When she graduated from the Harford Leadership Academy in 2006, her classmates chose her to give the final address at graduation. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Knowledge. In order to keep learning and to have fun Shoaff is a world leader in communication and leadership development.

“She spoke a lot about to live a productive life and that relationships are very important,” said Herbold.

Shoaff reiterated through her example with the Sesame Street character Elmo that continuing with education is a significant commitment that requires individuals to be unselfish, in the same way Elmo never says ‘I’.

“She made a great analogy to Elmo, it brought a lightness to the ceremony and it was different,” said senior and officer of NHS Rachel Baca.

One by one each student was recognized; each candidate was escorted on stage by a current NHS member. Inductees inscribed their name in the Almighty Book of Signatures, received their cord and the candle of knowledge. They then shook hands with Officer Garrett Sadtler and walked up the risers to join fellow inductees. Flames illuminated the faces of all the inductees as they swore to the oath. As new members blew out candles, the auditorium was filled with clapping from proud families and administrators.

“Even though there were a lot more inductees this year, Zdon had it running smoothly,” said Baca.

After parents had had their share of picture taking, a reception was held in the atrium with a cake, snacks and drinks.

“The fact that there were many more inductees this year displays the determination of the junior and senior class,” said senior and officer Garrett Sadtler.

NHS members had their first meeting the Monday after the induction to go over the goals for this year. Tutoring for the middle and high school has taken high priority. Members stay after school to tutor the middle schoolers on Tuesdays and high schoolers on Thursdays.

“I expect all members to come to more tutoring sessions and volunteer at events through the school,” said Baca.

Members must receive seven points for the year and they can participate in tutoring or other events throughout the year, like the D.U.C.K.S. yard sale in the spring.

“I expect them to uphold excellence in the four areas,” said Knisely.