CHS scholars inducted into National Honors Society at spring ceremony
Students from both 2021 and 2022 inducted into 100-year old scholastic organization
NHS Treasurer Ruby Alvarez lights a candle symbolizing service at the NHS Induction ceremony on Apr. 27.
Colton, CA—Colton High’s best and brightest became the latest inductees to the National Honor Society on Wednesday evening in a ceremony held in the Hubbs Gym. In the hour long ceremony, the inductees were presented with the four pillars of the NHS, and recited the NHS pledge before receiving their certificates from adviser Ms. Morgan Clark and principal John Abbott.
The event was opened by NHS president Luciana Lopez, who introduced the students and their families to the four pillars of “character, scholarship, leadership and service.” Lopez was followed by each of the club officers—secretary Denise Diaz, vice president Lesley Larios, historian Enrique Baltazar, and treasurer Ruby Alvarez—who offered insight into the values of the NHS before lighting a symbolic candle at the front of the stage.
Students who qualify for induction into the NHS are required to maintain a grade point average over 3.0 and enroll in an honors or Advanced Placement course. In addition, students interested in joining the NHS must submit a personal reflection essay “and discuss how their strengths align with the ideals of the National Honors Society,” according to Baltazar.
After the introduction to the NHS and its values, Clark led the new inductees in the recitation of the NHS pledge.
“I pledge myself to always seek the light of truth, to hold scholarly habits, to engage in burning service, and to leap forward in all things that shall advance the welfare of Colton High School.”
Lopez returned to the stage to read the names of all the inductees, inviting them to the stage to receive their certificates of achievement.
After the event, Lopez was ecstatic about how things went, especially how this year’s induction involved last year’s members who never got a ceremony. “I really appreciated the opportunity [to plan this event] because I know when I got inducted it was one of my favorite things. It made me happy knowing that I could be a part of what made that happen for others.”
Clark shared similar sentiments. “This is so exciting. I was really sad for them last year when they didn’t get that experience; I was really happy we could have that for them this year.”
The National Honors Society was established by the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1921. By 1930, under the leadership of Dr. Edward Rynearson of Pittsburgh, over a thousand chapters popped up around the United States. Today, more than one million students across the U.S., Canada, and around the world participate in NHS activities.
Students who were not able to attend the ceremony can pick up their certificates in room 54.
Recently, the CHS Publications Department experienced a major theft as over $20,000 in photography equipment was stolen from our studio over Spring Break. This included all cameras. Any amount you donate will help rebuild our program. Thank you!
Jeremiah Dollins is in his third year as adviser for the award-winning Pepper Bough, Colton High School’s official source of news and entertainment....