CHARACTER — Junior Alicia Merritt lights the candle signifying “Character,” one of the four principles of the National Honor Society, during the annual induction ceremony at NRHEG High School on November 16. Fifteen seniors and juniors were inducted into the exclusive organization. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
To the sounds of a piano processional, current members of the National Honor Society filed in to the school gymnasium, candles lighting their path. Senior Michaela Hansen welcomed family members and the entire student body to this year’s induction ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 16. Principal Paul Cyr introduced present members and their parents.
Present members who were inducted in November of 2010 include Michaela Hansen, daughter of Terry and Wendi Hansen; Samantha Hogstad, daughter of Dean and Shannon Hogstad; Hailey Johnson, daughter of David and Kristine Johnson; Rachel Ledding, daughter of Richard and Michelle Ledding; Alicia Merritt, daughter of Larry and Glee Merritt; Eric Sorenson, son of Rodney and Peggy Sorenson; Jillian Theuer, daughter of Mike and Patricia Theuer; and Carter Tollefson, son of Mark and Sandy Tollefson.
Guidance Counselor Tim Stoesz proceeded to announce the names of this year’s selectees. As their names were called, students were escorted backstage to don the red robe of society membership.
New members are seniors Matthew Dahle, son of Ed and Darlyne Dahle; Amanda Deml, daughter of Jeremy and Jacquie Deml-Mauseth; David Lassahn, son of Richard and Becky Lassahn; Amy Thompson, daughter of Randy and Kris Thompson; Lexi Wayne, daughter of Tom and Kari Wayne; juniors Kiley Beenken, daughter of James and Tammy Beenken; Elizabeth Eder, daughter of Brad and Robin Eder; Hans Frank, son of Dennis and Kristen Frank; Emilia Hobbs, daughter of Gwyn Regehr; Dana Jensen, daughter of Wayne and Diane Jensen; Erin Larson, daughter of Cary and Connie Larson; Crystal Olson, daughter of Mikki Neubert and Greg Olson; Tara Simon, daughter of Tim and Shelly Simon; Madison Schwierjohann, daughter of Jeff and Tammy Busho and Lee and Sherry Schwierjohann; and Nathaniel Wallin, son of David and Katherine Wallin.
Hailey Johnson gave a brief overview of membership in the NHS.
The four areas for selection are scholarship, leadership, service and character.
Scholarship — Prospective members must have at least a 3.4 GPA throughout their high school careers.
Service — This quality is defined through voluntary contributions made by students to their school or community while maintaining a positive, courteous and enthusiastic spirit.
Leadership — Student leaders are resourceful, good problem solvers and dependable who exemplify positive attitudes about life.
Character — Students displaying this character uphold principals of morality and ethics, demonstrate high standards of honesty and reliability, and show courtesy, concern and respect for others.
The new inductees were challenged by Mr. Cyr to accept the principles of membership and acknowledged their acceptance by stepping forward to accept their membership pins and certificates.
The Panther Drumline members entertained the audience with a number called “Trash, Trash, Trashcans.” Instead of traditional percussion equipment, the drummers performed using plastic and metal trashcans of varying sizes and shapes. Even metal trashcan tops doubled as cymbals. The number met with a rousing ovation.
The ceremony closed with a photo session. Later, members, family and close friends gathered in the school cafeteria for a reception.
2011-12 NHS — This fine group of NRHEG students gathered for their National Honor Society portrait following last week’s induction ceremony. Front from left: Michaela Hansen, Hailey Johnson, Samantha Hogstad, Rachel Ledding, Eric Sorenson, Carter Tollefson, Jillian Theuer and Alicia Merritt. Middle: Amanda Deml, David Lassahn, Erin Larson, Matthew Dahle, Emilia Hobbs, Lexi Wayne, Amy Thompson and Kiley Beenken. Back: Dana Jensen, Elizabeth Eder, Hans Frank, Crystal Olson, Nathaniel Wallin, Tara Simon and Madison Schwierjohann. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
