New members inducted into SHS Honor Society
Published on February 8th, 2006
STONEHAM, MA - With the shadows of the darkened cafeteria dancing in the midst of the flickering candles grasped in each of the honoree’s hands, Stoneham High School’s National Honor Society chapter welcomed 45 newcomers this week.
Held on Monday evening within the high school cafeteria, the induction ceremony celebrated the four attributes required for entry into the organization, qualities that each of the 45 finalists had demonstrated during the application process.
Remarking on the first quality, leadership, Amber Wantman, the local National Honor Society’s Secretary, commented that society can’t function properly without an effective leader.
Whether speaking about an army, a government, or a company’s workforce, those who are commanded find themselves in disarray without someone to guide them, Wantman explained.
And although the contributions of the 45 inductees in the realm of leadership may not receive the same praise as a general, or elected official, or company CEO, the students’ willingness to lead makes the world a better place.
“Aim for the generals first. Separate the leader from the group and you separate the head from the body,” said Wantman. “[Your] significant acts are not commemorated by Washington. But together, they do a lot for mankind.”
Summing up the second quality, scholarship, the town organization’s Vice-President Eric McDowell congratulated the 45 chosen candidates for their hard-work — not the least of which included a requirement that a weighted 4.0 G.P.A. be achieved before the students could even be considered for membership into the group.
Urging the group not to relent in their studies, McDowell promised that their thirst for knowledge would bring about positive happenings in later life.
“You could quit while your ahead. I suggest you keep on working,” McDowell advised. “Your hardwork will pay off in the end.”
On the third attribute, character, Honor Society President Christopher Trakimas told the inductees that true success in life could only be gained by making honorable choices, decisions guided by each person’s underlying character.
While the smartest and most intelligent of people might lose their path in life as they trek through life, Trakimas argued, those with a solid character would inevitably find themselves guided back to that road.
“With a strong character to guide them, they’ll return back. And they will succeed,” the President said. “All of you today have already decided to take the more difficult journey.”
Last but not least, Honor Society Treasurer Colin Sullivan touched upon the service requirement, saying that fulfilling that calling doesn’t necessarily mean that an act must save the multitude of those in need, but rather just a single person asking for help.
In addition to celebrating the 45 students, the local Honor Society Chapter recognized a faculty member who had possessed all the qualities deserving of membership into the organization.
Presenting the award to Hall Monitor Ed Urguhart, McDowell characterized the town employee as a gentle man with an open ear, one always willing to listen to the troubles of the student body.
“He keeps the corridor a safe and happy place. And he is always willing to talk and listen to students. For this reason, he’s always formed strong relationships, especially with special education [pupils],” McDowell said as a beaming Urguhart accepted the award.
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