HUNTINGTON – Gateway Regional High School held its fifty-second National Honor Society Induction Ceremony Wednesday in the Performing Arts Center at the school. Twelve junior class leaders who met the NHS requirements based on leadership, scholarship, service and character became full-fledged members. The junior inductees were Madisen Bang, Dayna Britland, Nicholas Cooper, Rachel LeBarron, Miranda Piangerelli, Anna Pless, Camryn Rock, Franky Tangredi, Diana Tereshchuk, Eduard Usatyy, Nazar Vasilchenko and Emily Warren.
During the ceremony, several members of the senior class lit a candle representing different facets of the society, congratulated the junior inductees and spoke about their experiences.
Gateway High School junior inductees for the National Honor Society at a ceremony on Wednesday. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Speaking of service, senior Montana Paradis noted that the junior class had already done many hours of community service to become inductees. She spoke about “the warm glow that swells in your heart when you help people in need.”
Senior Jenna Margarites introduced the juniors one by one as they lit their candles from the candelabra, and recited the NHS Pledge. The juniors then received their stoles and pins.
Eighteen NHS seniors will be graduating in June. Those graduating include current NHS officers Christian Tweed, president, Gabriela Ramirez, vice president, Allison Garriepy, secretary, Brennan Foley, treasurer, and Lauren Pisani, historian.
Also graduating will be senior members Jenna Arkoette, Davis Britland, Gabrielle Dame, Iris Delaney, Sarah Fellows, Fay-Valerie Grzybowski, Brendan Mackechnie, Jenna Margarites, Montana Paradis, Jonathan Rooney, Jessica Thomas, Ben Van Heynigen and Lillian Wyand.
“It’s an outstanding group of young men and women. It’s an absolute pleasure to work with them all,” said NHS advisor and Gateway social studies teacher James Duggan.
Duggan said juniors are invited to apply after the end of their first semester of the junior year. Those that are invited qualify academically by maintaining an overall average of 88 or better, and taking at least three advanced or honors-level courses each year, with at least one in each semester during the sophomore, junior and senior years. Duggan said their application is based on their character, leadership and service.
