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March 10, 2016By Sara Morgan '17
Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School held its 2016 National Honor Society Induction Ceremony on March 2. During the ceremony, 22 selected sophomores, juniors, and seniors were inducted into this prestigious organization.
The National Honor Society (NHS) aims to create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote leadership, and develop character. Only sophomore, junior, and senior students with a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA), who are current with VASJ service requirements and who exhibit evidence of upholding the pillars of NHS are considered eligible.
Members of VASJ's National Honor SocietyThe four criteria required for consideration to NHS are scholarship, leadership, character, and service. These are also the pillars that guide current members of NHS.
During the ceremony, VASJ’s NHS officers lit candles representing each of the four pillars.
The new inductees were presented with NHS medals as a symbol of their membership.
"It was a humbling and a very honoring experience,” says new NHS inductee Melanie Mitchell ’18. “I enjoyed it very much. It was well planned and everything seemed to flow. I was nervous at first about receiving my award, but when I went up it felt great.
“It felt good to become a leader for others and push myself to work hard to be apart of this. I am honored to be apart of this school and the National Honor Society," says Melanie.
The guest speaker at this year’s induction was Diocese of Cleveland Secretary for Education Margaret Lyons.
"I always enjoy being at VASJ," says Lyons.
Lyons was the last principal of Villa Angela Academy from 1988-1990 and founding principal of VASJ. Lyons was instrumental in the successful merger of Villa Angela Academy and St. Joseph High School. She is retiring this year after a long career in Catholic education.
Lyons was moved to tears when VASJ students presented her with a plaque in recognition of her service to VASJ and her commitment to Catholic education. The same plaque will also hang in VASJ's main office.
VASJ senior NHS member Abigail Smith presents Diocese of Cleveland Secretary for Education
Margaret Lyons with a plaque during the 2016 National Honor Society induction ceremony.Principal David Csank also presented Lyons with a VASJ diploma and cap and gown. She’s always been considered a Viking but this made it official.
During her address to the students, she spoke about the importance of character.
"Belonging to NHS does not make us perfect but it tells us we are on the right track," said Lyons.
"Thank you for your willingness to work toward the good."
NHS moderator and social studies chair Mrs. Maureen Joseph looks forward to the event each year.
"I have organized many NHS Induction Ceremonies, but I always get choked up when I see the joy of achievement on the faces of the inductees and their family members,” says Joseph.
2016 National Honor Society Inductees
Seniors:
Shantia CoxJuniors:
Shawn Caruso-Taylor
Janae Johnson
Makayla Potts
Aurrion StokesSophomores:
Hailey Barnett
Emily Bopp
Eleanor Boru
Anthony Dinunzio
Antonia Furlan
Mary Furlan
Elizabeth Gielink
Collin Green
Jerry Higgins
Shirley Kennebrew
Melanie Mitchell
Erin Osborne
Timothy Raddell
Elizabeth Smith
Adam Stauffer
Sophia Tromba
Sophia WashingtonThe National Honor Society Pledge
I pledge myself to seek the light of truth,
To hold scholarly habits,
To engage in worthy service,
And to lead forward in all that shall advance
The welfare of our school and society.
Sara Morgan is a junior at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School. She maintains a 4.25 GPA, is a member of website management class, ambassadors, and NHS.
