“An honor such as this is a wonderful way for the school and community to recognize and celebrate the choices, and sometimes the sacrifices, you have made,” said Berlin Middle High School Principal Kim Brownell.
Mrs. Brownell was addressing the National Honor Society (NHS) inductees at the Mountaineer’s ceremony on April 4th at BMHS.
This year’s ceremony opened with BHS junior Jacob Collen leading the flag salute.
Ms. Karen Day, advisor of the Berlin CSD’s Taconic Valley Chapter of the National Honor Society started by stating the objective of the NHS chapter. “This chapter shall be to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to promote working leadership, to stimulate a desire to offer service, and to encourage the development of character in students of the Berlin Central School District,” said Ms. Day
Ms. Day then introduced Principal Brownell who addressed the Mountaineers and highlighted their achievements in the realms of Scholarship, Leadership, Community Service, and Character.
Principal Brownell spoke about how the requirements for membership were not chosen randomly and as a whole, “embody a positive attitude backed by purpose.”
Mrs. Brownell reflected on the importance of the pillars and how they are applied every day in one’s life even when no one is watching.
“Each person’s goals are different,” concluded Mrs. Brownell. “What comes easy to one may be difficult for another. Therefore, do not squash others’ dreams. This is a surefire way to know that you aren’t working towards fulfilling your own.”
Four pillars represented by candles during the ceremony were then introduced and lit by:
Scholarship – Ms. Karen Day
Leadership – Samantha Rokjer
Character –Raymond Ericson
Service – Elsie Corbett
The NHS members were then introduced by Ms. Day, starting with senior members, followed by juniors and then new members.
Seniors
Elsie Corbett
Cadence Church
Nora Colin
Raymond Ericson
Sadie Giumarra
Tatum Kells
Hannah Mace
Daniel Rivera
Samantha Rokjer
Juniors
Jessica Bosso
Jacob Collen
Josephine Cummings
Ashlee Evans
Lorelai Goodermote
Elizabeth Hunt
Rebecca Madsen
Katelyn Miller
Nikki Minkler
Lindsey Oswald
Ethan Saunders
Elaine Savaria
Abigail Thela
Aidan Van Dyk
New Members National Honor Society
Juliann Amuso
Madison Bell
Kyle Collen
Katherine Dundas
Lillian Gardell
Sophia Hart
Curtis Hurd
Alexis Rifenburg
Mason Young
Alana Zuke
Berlin CSD Superintendent of Schools Mr. Joseph Dhara gave closing remarks, led the members in the National Honor Society pledge and congratulated the Mountaineers on their achievement.
The National Honor Society (NHS) is an organization for high schoolers that promotes leadership, service, character, and scholarship. There are over one million students participating in NHS activities today, in all 50 states and territories of the United States.
The National Honor Society started in 1921 by an association of principals. It was the first honor society created across the country. At almost 100 years old, the NHS is one of the most well-known educational and leadership groups.
Thank you to Ms. Karen Day Berlin’s NHS and NJHS advisor for putting together the special evening to celebrate the Mountaineers.
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