With grades for the first quarter at a recent end at Abington High School, students are becoming accustomed to the new facilities.  Many firsts are already in the new school’s record books. One recent first was the National Honor Society (NHS) induction ceremony in the new co-located middle-high school auditorium on November 8.

The ceremony took place in the high school’s state of the art auditorium.  NHS President Allison Dennehy opened the ceremony by introducing herself and the returning NHS members.

Vice President Danielle Panico then led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.  When the audience was again seated, Ways and Means officer Alana Burgess, with accompanying flute music provided by Abington High School band member Chloe Tardnico, introduced this year’s inductees.

After each new inductee filed onto the stage, they were led by NHS President Dennehy to recite the NHS pledge which goes, “I pledge myself to uphold the high purposes of the National Honor Society to which I have been elected.  I will strive to maintain exemplary standards of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.” These reflect the four traits of an NHS member.

Dr. Teresa Sullivan, AHS principal, welcomed the new members and introduced Assistant Principal Laura Louko, the night’s keynote speaker.  Ms. Louko advised NHS members to keep pushing forward saying, “Not much in the world would change if the leadership just sat around and congratulated each other on their own success.  No, now that we’re leaders we have to continue to reach outside our comfort zone and we have to continue to push the envelope.”

NHS Co-advisors Mr. Jason Scott (history teacher at AHS) and Ms. Kimberly McHugh (English teacher at AHS) delivered the closing remarks thanking all contributors and giving a final congratulation to the newly inducted members.  Mr. Scott then asked the audience to join all of the NHS members in a reception with cake and other refreshments.

In an interview after the ceremony, Mr. Jason Scott stated that NHS membership “puts kids in a great leadership position and gives them opportunities for community activity that they may not have open to them otherwise.” He added that many students in NHS “have a motivation and a calling to hold themselves to the highest academic and character standard.  They strive to be role models in school and the community.”

When asked how NHS members improve life at AHS, Mr. Scott stated that “they are the best and brightest, a lot of it is leadership by example.  They leave a legacy for other students to adhere to.”

Mario Dimascio, a current NHS member, said that “being on NHS has given me more of an incentive to do well and succeed.  It also gives me an active place in society.” He added that “personally, I think I have really given back to the Abington community.  By volunteering at craft fairs and other community events I can see people in the community appreciate our work.  Giving back to the community gives a sense of fulfillment, we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.”

A newly inducted member Dylan Magararu said that he “just wants to be a good person and a role model at all times.” He added that “determination, at all times, even when things get really difficult” are important traits of an NHS member as well. And, to “never give up.”

Congratulations to all NHS members!