Three honor societies welcomed their newest members, demonstrating student success and ability in mathematics, science, and art. The Math and Science National Honor Societies acknowledged their new members in a combined induction ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 28, and the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) displayed its talented artists on Thursday, Jan. 30. Families gathered in the auditorium for the academic and artistic celebrations.
After a welcoming speech from Principal Matthew Sarosy, the combined induction began with the Math National Honor Society, also known as Mu Alpha Theta. Advisor and math teacher Maria Mantikas worked with the rest of the society’s board to organize the event. The induction requirements included completion of Algebra I, geometry, and Algebra II, and current enrollment in or completion of a fourth year of college preparatory mathematics. Additionally, members must maintain a cumulative average GPA of 93 or higher within all math classes. Co-president and senior Kate Santoli commented, “It was amazing to see all the new faces being inducted. I know they’ll all do great things for the future of the organization.” After all the new members walked across the stage to receive their certificates commemorating their accomplishment, the induction transitioned to the Science National Honor Society.
Advisor, science teacher, and Science Department Chairperson Charles Vessalico also worked with the Science National Honor Society board to arrange their section of the event. “We spent months planning the ceremony and made sure everyone who deserved to be inducted was given the opportunity to apply,” co-president and senior Eric Reilly explained. Members must have completed the earth science, living environment, and chemistry courses with an overall cumulative average of 93 or higher, as well as being currently enrolled in physics, to be inducted. These newly inducted members also celebrated their achievement and received their certificates. The Math and Science National Honor Societies induction ceremony concluded with the new members repeating a pledge signifying that they will continue their successful efforts within the realms of math, science, or both fields.
NAHS’s skilled artists exhibited their creative talents in this year’s induction theme of “Map of the Heart.” Each year, advisor and art teacher Michael Kunz and the rest of his board select a theme for the inductees to create pieces. This year, each inductee was tasked with constructing a work of art on top of or incorporating a map. The pieces included places, people, or objects that were meaningful to the artists. “Map of the Heart” allowed for artists to reveal a part of themselves in their pieces, showcasing what truly matters to them. “It was so interesting to see how everyone had a unique way of interpreting the ‘Map of the Heart’ piece. Our inductees’ pieces ranged from physical locations to photos of family members,” Co-president and senior Olivia Palleschi explained. Each member hails from grades 10-12 and is required to apply every year by creating an application piece with specific guidelines. They must have completed the equivalent of one semester hour in art within high school and completed Drawing and Painting I. Members also must have a 90 or above average in Studio Drawing and Painting or their most recently completed class such as Advanced Drawing and Painting or Sculpture and Printmaking, along with an overall average of 80 or above. Each member’s induction piece was displayed on the projector as he/she walked across the stage to receive a certificate. After the ceremony, the NAHS hosted a brief reception in the cafeteria with refreshments. The pieces are now up for public viewing in the Bern Seiderman Gallery in the cafeteria.
The three honor society inductions were an opportunity to honor and commemorate the accomplishments of many skilled and gifted students at LHS, whether that be in academics or the arts.
