Thirty-nine Mineola High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society on May 18 during ceremonies in the school’s auditorium. The National Honor Society is the nation’s premier organization established to honor and recognize outstanding high school students who have demonstrated excellence in the area of scholarship, service, character and leadership.
After a musical prelude, the program commenced with a welcome address by Eileen Burke, English teacher and head of the Student Service Center, who serves as the honor society chapter’s adviser.
This was followed by high school principal Ed Escobar discussing the essence and significance of the honor society.
Monika Dharia,Jennifer Godinho, Charlotte Ring and Craig Vandestouwe, presidents of the school chapter of National Honor Society and seniors at Mineola High School, spoke about the four society core values—character, scholarship, leadership and service .
Subsequent to this, much to the delight of the audience, a slide show picture presentation was made of all the new inductees. The honor society seniors then introduced the new members individually and gave them a lighted candle.
Michael Nagler, superintendent of schools, handed over a pin that had the honor society torch logo. Emily Abrams and Sandeep Bharti, senior society members, then swore in the inductees by having them repeat the NHS pledge.
“Tonight is the epitome of what school is all about,” Nagler said. “The four pillars are represented in each and every one of these students as they strive to make a better community and world. I am extremely proud of all the inductees and all that they’ve accomplished.”
The 2015-16 newly inducted members are Christopher Alexander, Pratibha Anand, Sanskriti Bimal, Theodore Bischoff, Daniela Borges, Michael Bowen, Madison Brady, Kayleigh Bugalla, Marissa Buo-nincontro, Christin Candela, Taylor Dalton, Parth Dave, Meaghan Doherty, Mallory Donelan, Emma Fater, Briana Galimi, Nicole Gomes, Jubilee Hwang, Lauren Jenkins, Linda Jin, Mankiran Kaur, Kyle Kern, Gina Koros, Meghan LaFaye, Esther Lee, Catherine Leong, Hugo Olcese, Julianne Ortiz, Dan Rhim, John Rhim, Michelle Rodrigues, Alexandria Scala, Mackenzie Schnaufer, Claudia Serna, Katie Shi, Emily Skupp, Joseph Tarantola, Matthew Tavernite and Felicia Villa.
Dr.Whittney Smith, current head of guidance and soon to be principal of this high school, feels the event commends exemplary students.
“It’s always one of the most special evenings as we are able to recognize the best and brightest of Mineola,” he said.
