National English Honor Society Induction Ceremony

The first ever induction of the founding members of the National English Honor Society took place this morning at Brewster High School in the perfect space–the library. Surrounded by books with fellow bibliophiles, forty-nine inductees walked up to the podium where they each signed a scroll and received a pin and a certificate to mark the achievement.

The NEHS founding officers Neha Kakkanattu, Taylor Dudones and Jordan Ross started a book club three years ago because of their shared love of books.

“The National Honor Society was a natural extension of the book club we started,” said Jordan Ross,” and to lead with purpose.”

“It is an English teacher’s dream to share a love of reading and writing with students. These students embody a passion and love of reading and language arts,” said English teacher and club advisor Kimberly Perillo, “I am so proud of you for taking what started out as a monthly book club to the next level.”

But the thing that made the ceremony special were the quotes each student had picked to be read as they received their honor.  The quotes were each unique and ranged from classical literature: Hamlet, The Great Gatsby, Little Women and Alice in Wonderland to modern: Harry Potter, Mother Knows Best, Wonder to pop culture: Taylor Swift, Michelle Obama and The Flash Vol. 5. The variety was vast but the choices were all thoughtful and showed that these students are readers.

“One must always be careful with books and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us,” a quote from Clockwork Angel was Theo Torres’ quote of choice. 

Principal Horler, who is a “big” reader and had her own George R.R. Martin quote, has big dreams for the group.

“We need your dedication to reading, thinking critically and communicating effectively now more than ever,” said Horler, “you are the stewards of that power.”