On Oct. 25, 14 new inductees were welcomed into FHS’s National Honor Society (NHS) by the 11 returning members. This year’s newcomers include juniors Hannah Buerkle, Ava Colorito, Rachel DeCesaris, Alexis Halvin, Jacklyn Hartle, Jordan Hartle, Michaela Hedge, Jon Kaercher, Jessica Palakovich, Morgan Stewart, Haley Velemirovich, Paige Velemirovich and Danny White and senior Michael Fricke.

Family and friends all gathered at the event to witness the new members’ induction. Speakers included both students and teachers alike. Each of the four NHS officers spoke of one of the four pillars of NHS. President Jarrett Boyd discussed leadership, Vice President Vanessa LaValle talked about service, Treasurer Meghan Kiefer spoke of character and Secretary Madeline Kiefer covered scholarship. Superintendent Dr. Fuller and Principal Mr. Deal both gave a speech which spoke of their congratulations and pride for the new and old NHS members. FHS teacher Aaron Fitzpatrick was the keynote speaker.

There are several requirements a student must fulfill to be considered for or brought into NHS. First and foremost, NHS only contains students in their junior or senior year. Upperclassmen who have at least a 93 percent grade point average will be invited to attend a meeting to learn more information about the club. If they decide they wish to join NHS, they must fill out an application and write an essay about themselves that will exemplify their leadership skills through clubs and various community services. A group of teachers decide which of the applicants they find the most qualified based on their scholarship, character, leadership and service, the four pillars of NHS.

In past years, NHS has done many things to help out the community, such as various canned food drives and Toys for Tots. Their main focus, though, has been Relay For Life, which they do for the American Cancer Society. Co-sponsors Amy Isanogle and KC Hastings plan to perform most of the same services.

While some members consider everything NHS has been doing to be enough and perfectly fine, some others believe there are more things they could be doing to make a bigger difference.

“I think that it would be amazing if the NHS could organize an opportunity for students to work at a food cupboard or a soup kitchen for a day, and just experience the positivity of being able to serve someone,” Treasurer Meghan Kiefer said.

Becoming a member of NHS can be quite beneficial to its members, as it implies the acceptance of a nationally-recognized honor.

Being so dignified, this club is something that can make one’s transcript all the more impressive on its own. Additionally, being selected to join can be seen as a compliment to one’s character.

“You know that you’ve made an impression on people you may not have known were watching you. This is the impression of being a well-rounded and generally good person, and it is one deserving of recognition,” Secretary Madeline Kiefer said on the topic of being chosen.

Another benefit for students in the group is that they get to be a part of an organization formed to help and support those who need it. It’s also believed that working with a relatively small group like this helps to get the job done easier and more effectively.

“NHS is a great club to be a part of because it is elite and it helps serve the community and truly make a difference,” Secretary Meghan Kiefer said.