Turner Selects Seven for National Honor Society Membership

Seven sophomores were inducted into the Turner High School Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) at 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25. Parents, teachers, students, friends, and other family members gathered in the Turner Public School (TPS) lunchroom for the Induction Ceremony.

After welcoming guests to the event, the current NHS Vice President, Joseph Trautmann introduced the five-member Faculty Council, Superintendent Mrs. Jennifer McAllister, and NHS Advisor Mrs. Shelly Harmon. He followed those introductions with a brief mention of current officers for the Turner NHS Chapter and a nod to its current membership: Cassidy Grabofsky (President), Landon Hickel (Secretary), Caleb Zellmer (Treasurer), JR Brown (Student Council Representative), Tate Beck, Modesty Chamberlain, Carson Maloney, and Bridget Reed.

Next, President Grabofsky took the podium to conduct the ceremony by saying: "Our parents here this afternoon are especially honored as their sons and daughters participate in a ceremony which pays tribute to service, leadership, character, and above all, to scholarship-those traits which create reasoning and responsible adults and a healthy and just society."

She progressed to salute the candidates who had met these standards and then invited Carson Maloney to light the ceremonial pillar candle.

Once Maloney had again named the four qualities held in high esteem by the Society, Modesty Chamberlain briefly explained the symbolism of the various candles and called on four current members in turn to light a taper from the ceremonial pillar to represent one of the four pillars of the NHS.

Landon Hickel spoke on Scholarship and the "lasting benefits of a cultivated mind." He further described knowledge as "one great element in life which leads to the highest success and can only be acquired through diligence and effort."

Next, Caleb Zellmer stepped in to define Service as "willingness to work for the benefit of those in need, without monetary compensation or without recognition."

JR Brown followed with words on Leadership, finishing with this statement: "No matter what power and resources may exist in a country, they are ineffectual without the guidance of a wise leader."

Finally, Tate Beck closed with a definition of Character by stating: "Character is achieved and not received. It is the product of constant action, daily striving to make the right choice."

Before each of the initiates lit their tapers from those flames, Bridget Reed enlightened them on the Emblem of the Honor Society, the keystone and the flaming torch. After hearing the ideals and symbols illuminated, President Grabofsky invited the candidates to stand and pledge to assume the responsibility of upholding these standards.

With their vows declared, Grabofsky welcomed Ty Beck, Jacoby Brown, Alison Doyle, Abigail Grabofsky, Holly Grabofsky, Natalie Richman, and Brady Zellmer to the ranks of the NHS by saying: "While none of us has yet attained all of the ideals set before us, let us together strive to exemplify . . . Scholarship, Character, Leadership, and Service, to give of ourselves generously and to walk in the paths of wisdom."

Following the audience's applause, Mrs. Harmon invited everyone to celebrate with the NHS members by sharing in a congratulatory reception featuring lemonade and cookies.