On Tuesday, September 30, The National Honor Society (NHS) gathered in Benjamin Hall, united in white, blue, and black robes for its fall induction ceremony. By the end of the program, seven seniors and one junior transfer student had joined the chapter, pledging to uphold the society’s four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
The event opened with remarks from Head of Upper School Mr. David Faus and Mr. Fletcher Carr, who then introduced NHS advisor, Ms. Sara Misselhorn. She detailed the rigorous progress for admission: students must hold a cumulative GPA of 3.8, submit an application with a résumé of service and leadership, write an essay, and sit for an interview with current members. Applications are then viewed by the faculty council who consider feedback from teachers, coaches, and administrators before the final vote is taken.
“All four of the pillars are represented in each NHS member. NHS members show leadership in and out of the classroom. commitment to community service, a great knowledge base by taking rigorous academic classes, and showing their commitment not only to the school community but to the community at large,” Ms. Misselhorn explained.
This year’s induction also marks Misselhorn’s last after ten years as advisor. “As a Benjamin alum, I was in the National Honors Society when I was here, and I think it really inspired my love of community service and helping others. It has been a true honor to be the NHS advisor for the past ten years. I have seen so many great things that the students have done and it has really opened my eyes to all the incredible things that they accomplish for the community and the school, Ms. Misselhorn expressed.
After Miss Misselhorn’s remarks, chapter president Sebastian Scaperotto and other officers read short biographies of the inductees, outlining their accomplishments. Following each introduction, a current NHS member stepped forward to present a stole and officially welcome the student into the society.
“As president, I am truly excited to see how our new inductees will strengthen our chapter and bring honor to The Benjamin School. Each of them has already shown excellence in leadership, service, scholarship, and character, and I know they will continue to carry those values forward. I look forward to watching the unique impact they will make, both within our school and in the greater community,” Scaperotto noted.
For senior Ava Seested, the moment represented years of work. “Over the last two years, I worked really hard to find volunteer opportunities and try to make a difference in my community, so when I found out that I was inducted, I was so so excited. I think that founding the Benjamin Cares community service calendar and earning the presidential service award for 250 hours in a year definitely contributed to my acceptance. But more than anything, I am just happy to be a part of a society filled with such intelligent and inspirational people,” Seested shared.
Senior Drew Palmer, like Seested, feels that his determination contributed most to his induction and is looking forward to getting more involved in the school community during his final year at the Upper School.
“I felt very accomplished when I got the acceptance email because I had wanted to get in since junior year but I had just missed the GPA requirement. I felt very motivated to make sure I got in this year and worked so hard last year to get my grades up to have the opportunity. I am so excited to contribute to the school more and I hope I’m able to impact the school in a positive way,” Palmer expressed.
The ceremony concluded with the recitation of the official NHS pledge and the lighting of candles. Filling the Benjamin Hall stage with a new glow, The National Honors Society stood eight members stronger, a brighter chapter ready for the year ahead.
