Three seniors and five juniors were inducted into the Boothbay Region High School chapter of the National Honor Society during a ceremony Thursday evening, Dec. 9 in the BRHS gym. Parents, family and friends attended the 20-minute ceremony.

New inductees were seniors Gavin Carlson, Katerina Nein and Ava Schlosser and juniors Rachel Barter, Sydney Blake, Grace K. Campbell, Gryffin Kristan and Emma Markowitz.

Current members of the NHS, all seniors, conducted the ceremony. Master of ceremony was Jaelyn Crocker. Representing the four characteristics considered for induction – scholarship, service, character and leadership – were, respectively, Lucas Hardwick, Della Hahn, Grace A. Campbell and Emerson Harris. Pinning, certificates and book signing were handled by, respectively, Harris, Hahn and Campbell. The school’s NHS advisor Dennis Dacus was also on hand to help conduct the ceremony.

Senior member Emily Echols recited a poem, “Take Time,” by Liam Porter, before BRHS Principal Tricia Campbell offered a congratulatory message:

“Being a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) is one of the highest honors you can achieve at Boothbay Region High School,” said Campbell. “Being an NHS member is an ideal fit for each one of you here tonight. You serve. You lead. You succeed. You have a true thirst for challenge … and accomplishment.

“The journey of life doesn’t come with a map and it is filled with detours, unexpected obstacles, and forks in the road. That is why your parents, family, teachers, and friends help you to build a life compass that points toward a noble purpose. As you develop strong habits of mind, heart and character, you can set a vision, chart a course and navigate the challenges and opportunities that come your way. You each have a purpose. The world needs inspired young people. BRHS helps each student discern their inspiration and gives them the opportunity to articulate a strong vision about who they want to be and what difference they want to make in the world.”

“Congratulations on your big step forward tonight. We are incredibly proud of your acceptance into the National Honor Society and all of your accomplishments! You inspire me. You inspire all of us. Congratulations again, continue to move forward and lead.” 

According to the ceremony program and the NHS website (www.nhs.us), the National Honor Society was established 100 years ago by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to recognize outstanding high school students. Chapters of NHS are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. territories and Canada.

Four main purposes have guided chapters for NHS from the beginning: to create enthusiasm for scholarship; to stimulate a desire to render service; to promote leadership; and to develop character in the students of secondary schools.