National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

Today BHS National Honor Society inducted 47 new members into its ranks. NHS recognizes outstanding high school students based on four pillars or core values: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. District and BHS Administrators, Board of Education members and family and friends were in attendance. 

The ceremony which took place in the Performing Arts Center started off with a Presentation of Colors by NJROTC, pledge of allegiance and welcome remarks by President of NHS Cole Wilson. Officers of the NHS then spoke about the four pillars of the organization: William Blank on Scholarship; Ava Chica on Character, Vanessa Mazzei on Leadership and Amirah Alexander on Service.

“Character is what defines you when no one is watching, in the everyday moments. It’s about consistency,” said Ava Chica.

“Service is a mindset, a choice to act beyond ourselves, to make a difference,” said Amirah Alexander.

The keynote speaker was chemistry teacher Brooke Horn who students selected for her impact that “goes beyond the classroom” and who “leads by example.”

“She is a role model who reminds us we can do hard things but who keeps it real,” explained Josephine Armon, “and she embodies the four pillars of the NHS.”

Honorary Members inducted into the society included:  Michael Castaldo, Susan Boehm and Maggie Andriello. 

After the speakers, students were formally inducted by signing the registry, lighting a candle and taking an oath. As Cole Wilson inducted each new member he included something special about each: gold medal world tap champion, favorite holiday Fourth of July, made an appearance on Sesame Street, talented baker, can’t wait to go to Aruba, wants to be a computer scientist, loves baseball. Students lit their candles and lined up along the walls of the darkened auditorium, family members beaming with pride.

The ceremony was a perfect way to honor the achievements and commitment of our students, encouraging them to continue their dedication to service and academic excellence.  Thank you to the teachers, family members and friends who have been there to support these students and especially  teacher advisor Jamie Nuner-Flanagan.