National Honor Society inducts new students

Speeches and candlelight celebrated the induction of six new members of the Wahkiakum High School chapter of the National Honor Society (WNHS) on Monday, December 6th, in the high school library.

Each year, Wahkiakum sophomores, juniors, and seniors with at least a 3.25 accumulative GPA are invited to apply for admission in our local chapter. Applications reflect not only scholastic achievement, but the four pillars of the National Honor society: scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

This year's inductees are Samantha Dela Cruz, Evelynn Miller, RayLynne Ogle, Israel Velke, Matthew Wills, and Hank Wilson. Students' leadership included experience from class and school offices, Search and Rescue, Wahkiakum County Fair, FFA, Knowledge Bowl, sports, and taking rigorous classes. Almost all are already involved in Wahkiakum High School's zero-period Leadership class, illustrating their commitment to positive school culture at the high school.

Families of the inductees came for the short, evening ceremony. After a welcome from principal Stephanie Leitz and a speech by chapter advisor Audrey Petterson, current WNHS members, Cor Hoogendoorn, Evy Hogue, Parker Leitz, and Josiah Garrett spoke on the four pillars of NHS, lighting a candle for each trait. Member Rylie Wills joined them in lighting votives for each inductee.

Advisor Petterson spoke of how, in dark times, people gravitate towards light, "In the times we are in, our students, especially those honored in and participating in the ceremony, offer beacons of hope to their communities." Family members and students lingered over cookies to celebrate their achievements.

Inductees will join current members in academically mentoring other students, and continuing to share their light through service. They will remain members as long as they continue to meet the academic and behavior criteria of WNHS and will have the privilege of wearing red cords when they graduate to show their involvement.