The Society welcomed 30 new members on Dec. 6, one of the largest groups in years

BY MADISON OSBORNE, STAFF WRITER

Sanford High School’s National Honors Society (NHS) hosted its annual Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 6, welcoming 30 students, one of the largest groups to be inducted in years.

NHS is a national organization that recognizes students who meet the four pillars of character, scholarship, leadership, and service. NHS is student-led and has different events throughout the year depending on student interests and the needs of the school.

Senior Audrey Coleman, NHS President, led the ceremony and introduced the new members. There is a pledge and candle lighting that officializes the seniors and juniors to be inducted.

“In NHS, I’m surrounded by like-minded peers who all honor and exemplify the four pillars,” shared Coleman. “NHS has given us a platform to serve our community and be leaders in our school.” 

The guest speaker was beloved math teacher, Mrs. Kailee Colbeth.

“You aren’t, or shouldn’t be, primarily here because you want to get into a good college or get a high-paying job, you are here because of the outstanding attributes that you can offer to the world around you.”

Colbeth shared a passage from one of her favorite stories, “Miss Rumphius” by Barbara Cooney, which highlights how the main character made the world more beautiful by planting flowers and spreading visual beauty across her
hometown.

“But you all have the opportunity to make the world more beautiful each and every day by making sure you embody the qualities that have gotten you selected to be an NHS member. Qualities of scholarship, service, leadership and character,” said Colbeth.

New junior and senior members this year include Emma Adawadkar, Baneen Al Beadhany, Alexander (AJ) Anderson, Beckett Barlow, Ariel Cormack, Michael Cousineau, Alison Curcio, Aidan Gendron, Ava Gendron, Nathan Ghedoni, Natalie Giles, Aaron Kiley, Haley Laurendeau, Kadedra Liscombe, Lucas Lolley, Ailey Mann, Tanner McCann, Zachary Michienzi, Tatum Milley, Avery Morissette, Hannah Neer, Alexandra Payeur, Kaylin Penley, Ella Rodriguez, Sydney Roux, Kamryn Sanborn, Samuel Sprague, Hailey Tarbox, Sophia Tounge, and Myah Whitten.

“I am very grateful to have this opportunity to be a part of such a prestigious and hardworking group,” said junior Adawalker. “I look forward to participating in the upcoming projects and making a change in the community.”

NHS promotes student leadership and achievement and is involved in many school and community events including The Variety Show, tutoring sessions, making holiday cards for nursery homes, participating in The Day of Caring, and helping out with Halloween haunts.

During junior and senior years, students with a minimum GPA of 88% are invited to apply for NHS, then complete a form focusing on their accomplishments in extracurriculars, employment, volunteer services, and leadership opportunities.