Eighty-five new members were inducted into the National Honor Society [NHS] and were recognized for their distinction in and out of school on Monday January 12.

“I think NHS inductions went very well this year,” National Honor Society co-advisor Nicole Ruffo said. “The best part of it, I thought, was that the kids were very well behaved. They looked stunning all dressed up.”

The induction ceremony included speeches from Principal Tom Mead and NHS club president senior Vickie Yin. Each officer spoke about one criteria of NHS including service, scholarship, leadership, and character.

Then, the NHS members awarded the new inductees with medals, who afterwards proceeded to shake hands with teachers.

Math teacher Eileen Palmer was awarded the honorary National Honor Society membership, which is given to a faculty member who has displayed outstanding service to the Algonquin community and for her personification of the four criteria.

After, the inductees recited the NHS pledge which places value on the four principles.

“I think a lot of people misinterpret the honor society as an academic honor roll. But it is more than that. It’s an award that demonstrates you have provided service to your community,” Ruffo said.

NHS honors students who have fulfilled or exhibit the four qualities for selection into the NHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. Letters are sent out inviting individuals with a 4.0 GPA minimum, asking them to build a portfolio that presents their leadership, service, and character. The portfolio is then evaluated by an anonymous committee of Algonquin teachers, said Yin.

Because NHS is a service organization, each member is required to volunteer for two hours a month.

According to Yin, being inducted as a member of the National Honor Society means one is a leader and has integrity.