The National Honor Society (NHS) inducted 192 new members during its ceremony Sept. 6 after school in Meyer Hall. Prior to the ceremony, a reception for new inductees and parents was held in the cafeteria for attendees. The induction ceremony included live music played by a string quartet of Dreyfoos students and featured speeches from NHS officers, advisors, staff members, and a guest speaker.

The ceremony began with an introduction of the NHS officers and the chapter advisors Spanish teacher Marina Ratchford and media specialist Edward Hornyak. NHS president and strings senior Mia Hakkarainen gave a speech about the origins of NHS. Then, this year’s guest speaker Judge Carolyn Bell, a Circuit Court Judge for the 15th Judicial Circuit, gave a speech detailing what it takes to be a leader.

This speech was followed by speeches from the rest of the officers about the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Principal Blake Bennett then gave an address highlighting the work and dedication of the inductees and proceeded to introduce this year’s honorary inductee and guidance secretary, Kettia Nesbitt.

After Mrs. Nesbitt’s acceptance speech, Mia Hakkarainen, the president of NHS called the inductees on stage to receive their certificates. Ms. Ratchford and Mr. Hornyak concluded the ceremony by leading the inductees in the  NHS official pledge.

“Until the ceremony started, we were running around, setting up Meyer Hall, and getting everything prepared so that people could enjoy some food before the ceremony and (so that we could) get the guest speaker and the stage set up,” Hakkarainen said. “It was definitely a lot to do, but thankfully, we had a good amount of volunteers helping out and it was also really great to have all the officers on board to jump in and set everything up when we needed. Even though it (setting up) was really right up until the last second, right before we started the ceremony, I’m glad that everything got put in place and it all worked out.”