National Honor Society Chapter Inducts New Members

The Nathan Hale chapter of the National Honor Society at Huntington High School has long recognized the leading scholars in the community. Last week the organization inducted 55 new members who have compiled enviable academic records, which have earned them the right to stand alongside their distinguished predecessors in history.

During his opening remarks at the 60th annual induction ceremony, fifth year National Honor Society faculty advisor Joseph Cohen praised the group’s newest members. “You excel in academics, but this only a part of the reason you are here,” Mr. Cohen said. “You have a fire inside that drives you to give; to give your time; to give your knowledge; to give your energy to those who need help the most. You do not sit back and rely on your ability to study and work tirelessly in your classes. That is not enough for you. You have taken an active role in your lives. You share the belief that the few can help to inspire the many. You are selfless leaders who give service to others without worrying about what you will receive in return.”

The new inductees include Cristina Bateman, Charles Beers, Megan Boyce, Ellyn Byrnes, Tara Byrnes, Olivia Castillo, Carolyn Cimetta, Elizabeth Corrao, Elizabeth Cotter, Ariella Danziger, Kaitlyn Dayton, Justin Edgar-McNerney, Kayla Eidle, Rachel Feltman, Christian Fiordelisi, Christina Flores, Heather Forster, Nicholas Freiman, Fiona Geier, Samantha Glicker, Tim Gress, Hillary Hardardt, Brianna Kirkland, Caitlin Knowles, Thomas Kouttron, Gavin Li, Hannah Lomele and Olivia Lopez.

The ceremony also featured the induction of Justin Loturco, Samantha Lynch, Shannon McGovern, Ashley Meyers, Shane Meyers, Lily Morris, Monica Owen, Haley Petrizzi, Suzie Petryk, Daniel Reiver, Joseph Saginaw, Amy Schmelter, Daniella Schoen, Mary Sheehan, Marina Siegel, James Sosa, Lindsay Sullivan, Veronica Tonissen, Can Toprak, Sara Totura, Ketevani Tsotskolauri, Benjamin Warren, Kaitlin Wascher, Justin Weigold, Brendan Wirth, Spencer Young and Lana Ziegler.

The National Honor Society’s motto is “Noblesse Oblige,” a French term that translates in English to “nobility obligates.” The new members are expected to assist all students on the path toward academic excellence through a variety of tutoring and community service activities.

Speakers during the ceremony included Nathan Hale chapter President Olivia Palmer, who articulately delivered an insightful address. Executive officers Summer Rudish, Cynthia Gowani, Molly Brambil and Caitlin Yabroudy took turns remarking on the organization’s membership pillars of character, scholarship, leadership and service. 

Principal Carmela Leonardi addressed the new and continuing members and a crowd of about 150 parents. Assistant Principal Brenden Cusack, Superintendent James W. Polansky and several Huntington School Board members also attended the ceremony.

A series of time-honored rituals were sprinkled throughout the evening, including the tapping of new inductees by current members and a candlelight segment in a darkened auditorium. The high school chamber choir under the direction of Veronica Mainville sang the national anthem and later performed Hodie, Christus Natus East.

The inductees were asked to affirm their support for the National Honor Society’s ideals by stating: “I pledge myself to uphold the high purposes of this society to which I have been selected, striving in every way by every word and deed to make its ideals the ideals of my school and my life.” 

After the inductees marched out of the auditorium they attended a small reception in the main lobby with parents and faculty members.