Page 4 • Wednesday , January 31 , 2024 • The Hammonton Gazette
74 inducted into NHS
by Kristin Guglietti GAZETTE STAFF WRITER
HAMMONTON — The Hammonton High School ’ s Chapter 1274 of the National Honor Society ( NHS ) welcomed 74 inductees during the annual induction ceremony on Jan . 25 at 7 p . m . at the Performing Arts Center .
Hammonton High School Principal Thomas Ramsay welcomed everyone in attendance .
During her opening speech , NHS President Angelina Cortellessa mentioned that the 2024 ceremony marks the 92nd anniversary of NHS Chapter 1274 .
“ For current members and former members , we are hopeful that this induction ceremony is a reminder of the high standards of excellence that the National Honor Society means . We are given the privilege to maintain the standards as members of the nation ’ s oldest , largest and most prestigious student recognition program . [ NHS ] Chapter 1274 is pleased to induct new members since 1932 , and today ’ s ceremony marks the 92nd anniversary . With the priority of excellence , the National Honor Society members will represent both our school and our community ,” Cortellessa said .
Cortellessa then explained the four cardinal principles of the National Honor Society : scholarship , leadership , service and character .
“ The emblem of this society are keystone and flame torch . The keystone bears at its face the letters S , L , S and C , which stand for the cardinal principals of this organization : scholarship , leadership , service and character . It is at this time that we proclaim to all attendants that membership in Hammonton High School Chapter 1274 of the National Honor Society has been earned by these candidates through the effective demonstration of the four qualities that serve as standards of the society ,” Cortellessa said .
Vice-President Lawrence Baylock spoke on scholarship .
“ New members of the National Honor Society show student scholarship every day and it ’ s the driving force of the school ,” Baylock said . “ The traits of scholarship allow members to learn , expand their horizons and open themselves up to the world today .”
Secretary Julianna Ruhf spoke on leadership .
“ When you think of a leader , you probably think of someone who is a class president , a team captain or valedictorian , however , the truth is not all leaders boast these titles and not all who boast these titles are leaders . Real leaders are willing to stand for what they believe in and take initiative in situations ,” Ruhf said .
Treasurer Tristan Rodriguez then explained the pillar of service .
“ As members of the National Honor Society , we strive to help others in acts of service and commit small acts of kindness . Service is not just an action but a commitment to make a positive impact and making the world better when we leave ,” Rodriguez said .
Historian Grace Hackett spoke on the last principle : character .
“ Character is best defined as the way in which someone acts when no one is watching . Our character is the foundation of who we are shown through our actions and words with others . It ’ s our motivation to do the right thing without expecting anything back . Character is an important pillar of the National Honor Society because without it service , scholarship and leadership would not be possible ,” Hackett said .
Hackett then presented the symbols and colors of the National Honor Society .
Kristin Guglietti / THG
Left : Historian Grace Hackett spoke on character . Right : Vice President Lawrence Baylock spoke on scholarship .
“ As the keystone is placed by the builder to hold a perfect arch in perpetual stability , so the structure of our education must be held firm and true by the virtues represented by this symbol . Our colors , blue and gold , are a symbol of our motto . Blue is the symbol of truth , and gold is the light with which truth radiates through the world ,” Hackett said .
Next , Ramsay explained the qualification for membership .
“ First , the student must be academically eligible . Second , all academically eligible students must complete a student activity information form . Third , the entire faculty participates in the completion of a reference survey for the students who submitted the student activity information form . And finally , five members of the faculty are selected to serve on the faculty council ,” Ramsay said .
The faculty council reviews the student activity information forms , results of the faculty reference survey and grade point average of each individual student and then final selection is made by the majority vote of the faculty council , Ramsay said .
“ Because of the stringent standards , not everyone who is eligible for membership is selected . This is unfortunate ; but , nevertheless , it develops a standard that a student must strive to achieve ,” Ramsay said .
Cortellessa presented the candidates for membership . As the candidates ’ names were called , they came forward to the stage to receive their collar of membership and signed the official chapter register .
For the symbolic candle lighting ceremony , unlit candles were placed on the table next to the official chapter register .
Ramsay recognized the efforts of Myra-Lynn Doughty , the advisor for the National Honor Society as well as members of the faculty for the selection of this year ’ s inductees .
“ It ’ s an honor and a privilege to accept these students as members of the National Honor Society . They are certainly to be congratulated for outstanding accomplishment and a job well done ,” Ramsay said .
Cortellessa thanked Chef Lou Caruso and the Hammonton Education Association for their contribution to the reception .
See NHS , Page 8