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J. Dollins

NHS Historian Lesley Yanez shares about one of the NHS pillars.

Updated on Nov. 16, 2022 at 10:02 a.m.

Colton, CA—On November 15, Colton High School’s highest performing students became the latest inductees into the National Honors Society. During the hour-long ceremony, held in the Rivera MPR, inductees were introduced to the four pillars of NHS and recited the NHS pledge before receiving their certificates from adviser Rosenda Gonzales and CHS principal John Abbott.

National Honors Society is an organization for high school students that holds events and gives students opportunities to participate in leadership roles. It was first established by the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1921 based on the four pillars of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

In order to be eligible for NHS induction, students must be enrolled in honors or advanced placement courses and maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0. According to club secretary Mercy Mgbemere, students who are interested in joining the NHS are required to submit a personal reflection essay in which they “discuss how their strengths align with the ideals of the National Honors Society.”

The event began with a short speech by principal John Abbott about the importance of students’ achievements.

The four pillars of “character, scholarship, leadership, and service” were then introduced to the students and their families by NHS president Denise Diaz. Before lighting a symbolic candle at the front of the stage, each of the club officers—vice-president Christopher Cervantes, secretary Mercy Mgbemere, historian Lesley Yanez, and treasurer Mariana Villegas—followed Diaz and provided insight into each of the NHS’s values and mission.

Diaz led the new inductees in reciting 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.”

In addition to their names being called to come forward and accept a certificate of achievement, students were also treated to a slide show featuring photos and information about their high school activities.

Adviser Rosenda Gonzales shared that she was happy for the new inductees and that they have an event to show the importance of their achievement.  When she was in school there were no events like these. “It was a beautiful experience as we are coming back after COVID,” she said.  “It is their first official ceremony with no limits, so it’s pretty awesome that parents came to cheer for the students.”

Diaz was equally pleased with the way things turned out. “I am really happy with the outcome and I am enjoying seeing others thrive and happy they joined the NHS.” She also mentioned how proud she was of herself when she was inducted and hoped this class of inductees feel the same.

NHS will meet this Thursday at 8 a.m. in room 543. They will be making Christmas cards for Veterans as part of their commitment to community service.

Students who were not able to attend the ceremony may pick up their certificate in room 543.