By Christiana Quinata
And Christina Tenorio

Notre Dame High School students, faculty, staff, administrators, family members, and honored guests witnessed the induction of 16 new members into the National Honor Society (NHS) February 11, 2010, in the school’s Sister Antonice Muraski Building.

The 12 veteran members and Nekola Fitzgerald, NHS Advisor, organized a very solemn ceremony that emanated the four characteristics of the society— Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and Service.

Each member played a role in reciting the opening and closing prayer, participating in the candle lighting ceremony, or reciting the pledge. Sister Jean Ann Crisostomo, NDHS president; Mariesha Cruz-San Nicolas, principal; veteran NHS members; and parents presented stoles, pins, certificates, and gifts to the new members.

“I was very excited to share the ceremony with the student body,” said Fitzgerald.  “Characteristics of NHS are characteristics that every NDHS student should embody. Inviting the student body allows students to support the society and be a part of each other’s achievements in this true family environment.”

Christina Tenorio, NHS president, led the new members in reciting the pledge. Then, Cruz-San Nicolas gave the closing remarks. After the ceremony, the veteran members and several NHS moms treated the new inductees and their families to a congratulatory reception.

“It was a major success. Everything went as planned. We have a good group to work with and I look forward to working with them,” said senior Brittany Anderson.

Three weeks later, a private ceremony was held to induct Raina Taitingfong, a senior, who was off-island during the week of the ceremony. “I was glad that they held a ceremony for me. It made me feel special,” she said.

Many of the new members have expressed that they are honored to be a part of the society. Ryan Galindo, sophomore, said, “I feel extremely proud because I’ve taken steps toward that goal of becoming a member and have succeeded in reaching it. I’ve not only made myself proud, but the people around me as well, such as my friends, teachers, and, of course, my family.”