On Wednesday, April 29, the National Honor Society inducted 145 students (mostly juniors) at a candlelight vigil at Norwin High School’s newly renovated Performing Arts Center.
The induction included opening remarks from advisor Mr. Paul Amic, the reciting of the National Honor Society oath for the inductees, the lighting of the National Honor Society candles, the explanation of the qualities (scholarship, leadership, service, and character), and the distribution of the inductees’ certificates by the NHS officers.
“The four qualities of membership in the National Honor Society are scholarship, leadership, service and character,” said National Honor Society advisor Paul Amic. “So, we focus on those in the selection process. I think it is important to recognize students who dedicate themselves to their studies to help improve their school and community through service.”
A student inducted had to be attending Norwin for at least three years. Meeting the Requirements for NHS requires ending the previous academic year with at least a 90% GPA, while also having a certain amount of community service and volunteer hours.
“We review around 175 applications a year,” Amic said. “This includes verifying students’ academic and disciplinary records as well as their leadership and community service experience.”
Another aspect of NHS that stands out to members is the opportunity to be involved in school events and leadership activities given to the many students involved throughout their years in the club.
“The NHS has given me an opportunity to help out at a bunch more school events,” said NHS Vice President Joe Cramer. “And just giving me a chance to help bring more things to the students of Norwin and make sure everything goes smoothly during the year, like Snowball and the National Honor Society trip.”
For many upperclassmen, the induction ceremony also serves as a meaningful reminder of their own experience as an inductee. The NHS officers get the opportunity to be the ones to induct the underclassmen, putting them in a new position in the ceremony.
“I always like the induction ceremony,” said Cramer. “Because I remember when I did it my sophomore year, and I had a fun time with all my friends. It’s just a good moment for these underclassmen to celebrate all their hard work.”
For many students, being a part of the National Honor Society is both an honor and something that can help them in the future.
“It’s a prestigious academic award,” said junior Ryan Schoemer. “And it was something that my sister also got. I’m going to volunteer more because the hours are needed and because it’ll be a fulfilling experience to help the community out.”
National Honor Society is a title that gives students the credibility to be rewarded for their academic achievements. The title is not only seen by their peers but also by colleges and future jobs.
“It’s good on college applications, and that’s honestly one of the reasons I did it,” said junior, Ella Reese. “I like that it obligates me to do more service work outside of me doing it for church. I plan on using this for credibility as it’s more authoritative.”
Being a part of the National Honor Society is an achievement that many students strive for throughout their high school career. Their desire to be a part of the club is not only for the validation of their hard work but also for the strong community it brings.
“It has a great community,” said junior, Jillian Ryba. “It shows your academic achievements and brings you together with some of your friends who also has those same awards. I think by coming together with some other NHS inductees, we can form some new events or just try to find opportunities in the school to use our program to be more involved with the school events.”
Overall, NHS has a strong impact on both the school and the community through service projects and student involvement. The club recognizes students for their outstanding work and gives them new, meaningful opportunities.
“The members of the National Honor Society have a tremendous impact on the school and community,” said Amic. “Simply through their participation in numerous community service projects throughout each year. My goals are always to provide recognition to the students through the induction. To offer an exciting trip that includes educational, cultural, and entertainment activities as well as supporting a variety of local organizations through community service activities.”
NOT the president of the knight krier • May 12, 2026 at 11:24 am
Very in depth. I know this piece was originally going to be a list of the inductees, but the interviews add a lot of depth that you wouldn’t ‘t have with that. Good job!