by Bea Peterson
On Monday evening, November 21, the Phillip Leonard Chapter of the Hoosick Falls Central School National Honor Society held its annual Induction ceremony. Three seniors and eleven juniors were tapped for membership, brought to the stage by current members and helped into their gowns. All the members then recited the National Honor Society pledge, and the new members were accepted by High School Principal Stacy Vadney. The new members are seniors Samantha Bakaitis, Lauren Giumarra and James Willette and juniors
Julia Baker, Bradley Burns, Amber Crandall, Grace Delurey, Katherine Danforth, Alice Hayden, Molly Fleming, Frankie Pearson, Mary Peters, Evan Phillips and Jason Woods.
The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Emily Hoag. The music “October” by Eric Whitacre was played by the Symphonic Band, directed by Robert Allen. They dedicated the piece to the late Jeff Cottrell who had been a well loved and respected custodian at the school.
Lauren Conte introduced the evening’s program. Nick Downing recited the Honor Society requirements. Ana Anderson explained the Society emblem and then lit a candle at the center of the stage. Allison Philpott described the Scholarship portion of the emblem; Mikaela Marbot described Leadership; Michael Merwin, Character, and Amanda Middleton, Service. A candle was lit for each of these attributes. At the end of the ceremony current members lit a candle from those on center stage. Current members lit their candle and then lit the candle of a new inductee.
Teacher Recognition
The National Honor Society Teacher of the Year this year was Kuan Chan. Mr. Chan, a Special Education teacher, was recognized for his service to the school and for the compassion and understanding he shows towards all those who are a part of the HFCS community.
Memorial Award
Honor Society Co-Advisor Isabel McGuire noted that Society members chose one of their own for the Jeffrey Stratton Memorial Award. This year it was presented to Nick Downing.
During refreshments in the cafeteria the inductees were presented with their Society certificates.
Current members of the Society are Ana Anderson, Stephany Bradley, Hailey Bugbee – President, Lauren Conte – Co-Historian, Nick Downing – Secretary, Aaron Delurey, Emma Fricke, Ayla Graney, Emily Hoag – Treasurer, Ryan Hyde, Cody LaFlamme, Alex Lilac, Mikaela Marbot, Michael McGuire, Meaghan McKee, Michael Merwin, Amanda Middleton – Vice-President, Allison Philpott – Co-Historian, Alyssa Surdam and Tanner Williams.
Co-Honor Society Advisors are Isabel McGuire and Thessalia Nielsen.
Christmas Wish
The HFCS National Honor Society is in charge of the Christmas Wish program again this year. Our Christmas Wish program provides new clothing for needy children within the Hoosick Falls District. Money will be collected in high school homerooms from December 5 to December 16. Once again this worthwhile program needs your help in two ways:
1. We need to identify those students (and any of their preschool siblings) in need of clothing items. We need to know items and sizes needed as well as the names and ages of the students so we can avoid duplication. Names will be kept strictly confidential.
2. Any monetary donations you would like to make to this year’s Christmas Wish fund would be greatly appreciated. Checks can be made payable to HFCS Christmas Wish and sent c/o NHS Christmas Wish, P.O. Box 192 HFCS, Hoosick Falls, NY, 12090.
Thank you for your help in this meaningful event.
