NHS welcomes new students in 57th annual induction ceremony

The soft echo of chatter drifted throughout the auditorium of Washingtonville High School as students, parents, and families were welcomed to the school’s 57th annual National Honor Society Induction Ceremony.

The National Honor Society is a prestigious organization and this year, the WHS chapter inducted 76 students who have and will continue to demonstrate its four pillars, character, scholarship, leadership and service.  

The ceremony opened with the presentation of colors by the WHS JROTC Color Guard, followed by the singing of The Star Spangled Banner by WHS senior Wani Miguel. 

NHS Vice President Brandy Bohan welcomed guests and attendees, giving a special thank you to NHS chapter advisors Erin Krogslund and Amy McNally. 

NHS President Omar Puello spoke about the importance and value of being inducted into the NHS. He explained that being a member of NHS is about spreading positivity and building up the community. The WHS chapter has participated in events like Adopt-A-Family, Senior Citizen Prom and Kids Night Out and is currently working to prepare a Blessing Basket that will help a local family in need. 

“Not only do students get accepted into this organization, but they devote themselves to making these events happen and are the reason why we can give back to the community,” Omar said. “NHS allows students to interact with the social aspects of life and experience a world where being kind and making a difference matters.”

The keynote speaker for the evening was Kelly Connolly, who is an English teacher at WHS. She began her teaching career at Washingtonville Central School District in 1999 and is the advisor for the WHS Class of 2025 and the Society of Young Authors Club. 

“Being a member of the NHS is an honor that you have earned with your hard work, your dedication to your community, your leadership and, most importantly, in my opinion, your character,” Ms. Connolly said. “I believe that we can all agree that you are now becoming role models for our school district. As I look into the audience and on this stage, I’m so proud to see the faces of the students that I’ve gotten to know and love over the past four years as the advisor of the class of 2025.”

Omar, NHS secretary Vanessa Moran, NHS treasurer Audrey Agbato, NHS service chair Keendra Resignac and NHS Vice President Brady Bohan went up to the podium to explain the common characteristics of each pillar of the NHS. After explaining each one, they lit one of four candles on stage, each one representing one of the pillars.  

NHS inductees were then called to the stage where they signed a chapter scroll that dates back to 1967. After signing the scroll, inductees used one of the previously lit candles to drip wax into a bowl that represented the union and communal pool of knowledge. 

As each inductee crossed the stage, they were met with rounds of applause from the audience, celebrating their amazing achievement. 

The ceremony closed with the reciting of the NHS Oath and closing comments from Omar, who said, “Always continue to strive to bring out the best, not only for yourself but for your fellow Wizards."

Please visit the WHS Photo gallery to view photos from the evening (hs.wcsdk12.org/about-us/photo-gallery)