Ninety-one White Plains High School juniors were inducted into the National Honor Society at a ceremony on Thursday night which celebrated years of hard work in and out of the classroom. In attendance were NHS senior officers, WPHS central administration, members of the WPCSD school board and Mayor Justin Brasch.

The National Honor Society is a nationwide organization built on four foundational pillars: scholarship, service, leadership and character. Inductees are expected to maintain high grades, volunteer their time to the community for a minimum of 60 hours and demonstrate their ability to take charge and rise to a challenge, all while prioritizing an honest and kind character.

The WPHS inductees did a phenomenal job of embodying these qualities; NHS members completed a cumulative 12,000 community service hours this year, and many students exceeded the required 60 hours.

The Honors String Ensemble, conducted by orchestra teacher Mr. May, opened the ceremony with a rendition of Handel’s “Hornpipe in D” and Mozart’s “Kyrie from Requiem.” Following that, current NHS co-presidents William McDermott and Olivia Tuzel led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, then Principal Martinez and NHS advisors Ms. Simmons and Ms. Stein gave opening remarks.

Next to speak was social studies teacher Mr. Rickles, who advised inductees to recognize how much support they receive from their families, friends and teachers, and to acknowledge that that support only enhances their achievement. He shared anecdotes about his childhood and prior career as a lawyer to emphasize the importance of each NHS pillar.

NHS officers further emphasized the four pillars by speaking briefly about each and lighting a candle. Then, after another performance by the Honors String Ensemble with “Bradenburg Concerto no 3, Movement 3,” students were called to the stage one-by-one to receive their pins and be formally inducted.

Superintendent of schools Dr. Ricca closed out the ceremony with a reflection on how far the inductees have come since elementary school and a reminder that excellence can and should continue as the students prepare to enter their senior year.

“The Orange” congratulates all the inductees on their accomplishment!