Published: April 28, 2009 01:19 am      

Making it worthwhile

Hard work pays off for NHS inductees

During the spring and the fall, a very important event happens to a selected group at Fairmont Senior High School. This event is the inductions of the National Honor Society.

For the spring season, the inductions took place on Tuesday, April 14, at the Fairmont Senior High School auditorium. Many preparations took place in order for the inductions to happen. President Jonathan Turner and the rest of the society met several times discussing details for the ceremony.

“Each one of us played an important role in making it a success. Each member contributed time and effort, whether in setting up, arranging the reception, rehearsing speeches and movement, or cleaning up,” states Turner.

When planning the event, the members of the National Honor Society had to find a guest speaker who could not only inspire the new inductees, but also the whole student body. With many suggestions being thrown around, one person in particular stood out. This person was West Virginia University’s head football coach Bill Stewart.

“We thought that Coach Stewart was the perfect person to speak for this year’s ceremony because he would reach out to the entire audience,” Rachel Colasessano stated.

Along with Coach Stewart, the officers of the National Honor Society spoke.

First, Turner spoke about knowledge. Following him, Colasessano spoke and lit the candle of character. Vice president Kara Kliethermes then spoke to the audience about service. Treasurer Jessica Carr spoke of leadership, and then secretary Rebecca Haley followed with scholarship. The speakers inspired the audience, which consisted of the whole student body, faculty, and parents, to stay dedicated to specific goals.

Haley stated that those who listened gained a sense of responsibility for his or her own life. After the officers spoke, the fall inductees were recognized. These members included: Patrick Blood, David Bonazza, Morgan Cain, Rebecca Cain, Tai Cattafesta, Monica Edwards, David Holmes, Spencer Murdock, Alyssa Ruberto, Devin Sears and Laura Tucker.

Finally the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. The 29 Fairmont Senior High School were inducted into the National Honor Society. These students included: Jeff Adams, Caitlin Ahrens, Erica Amos, Brian Bacza, Andrew Bonasso, Gage Chichester, Chelsea Clark, David Ciarolla, Corey Cleavenger, Sarah Cover, Christian Cummings, Clayton Dunn, Tyler Ewing, Aaron Fetty, Gannon Flowers, Bridget Ford, Charlee Fox, Ty Garrison, William Hardy, David Heck, Zachary Heck, Michelle LaRue, McKenzie Mills, Logan Moore, Breigha Mugnano, Wittlee Retton, Joshua Singleton, Sarah Stiles and Stephanie Webb.

Senior Brian Bacza said, “It was a real honor to get accepted into the National Honor Society. I feel very grateful.”

After this, Coach Stewart then spoke to the newly inducted members and the audience. He talked about not hitting the snooze button and many other subjects. Coach Stewart’s speech was very inspiring to those who attended the assembly.

The assembly ended with a reception for the newly induction members and their family members.

Junior Charlee Fox said, “I thought the reception was really well prepared, and I felt extremely honored to be inducted into the National Honor Society. This year’s reception was very nice, and I loved everyone’s speeches.”

The National Honor Society inductions were the perfect beginning to the spring season. With the seniors graduating, the newly inducted juniors will have to carry on the legacy of the National Honor Society. They will have to not only maintain their grades, but also their reputation as an honorable student. By getting accepted into the National Honor Society, these selected students realized that hard work truly does pay off.