On Wednesday, April 13, 2016, 21 current National Honors Society Members inducted almost-as-many new Seniors (two) and Juniors (16) into the organization. Current members are Kelsey Becker, Lydia Bender, Sydney Beveroth, Andrew Bird, Jordan Bush, Allysa Criss, Adam Deter, Colleen Elfline, Danika Habben, Emily Hutchison, Rachel Magana, Kyle McCoy, Molly Mickley, Mason Muur, Lauren Pannier, Jordan Schmidt, Eric Sipes, Emily Wallender, Alexandra Walsh, Eryn Young, and Korey Zigler.
The group accepts those who meet requirements of the four pillars of National Honors Society: Character, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service.
Eighteen new members, shown below, were inducted during the annual ceremony at Morrison High School, 643 Genesee Avenue, Morrison, IL: Darren Bielema, Kylie Brands, Kassidee Church, Allison Houldson, Krysta Mapes, Lilian Maxfield, Michaela McNeece, Emma Melton, Zachariah Osborn, Allyssa Renner, Elizabeth Schmidt, Emma Sitzmore, Brooke Stralow, Autumn VanBuren, Tessa Vander Bleek, Shayna VanDerLeest, Lauren Vos, and Maya Zinke.
The night began with an opening and introduction of returning members by High School Principal Kay Harwood. Then, Allysa Criss and Danika Habben introduced the performances:
- saxophone solo by Colleen Elfline, “Sonata #2”
- acapella duet by Kyle McCoy and Eric Sipes, “You Are the New Day”
- vocal solo by Rachel Magana, “Voi Che Sapete”
- clarinet solo by Eryn Young, “First Concertino.”
Candles of National Honors Society were lit while their respective quality was read. The large, white candle signifies knowledge. Blue is for the royal aspect of leadership. Gold is the light of scholarship and knowledge. White stands for the member’s the purity of character.
Following this ritual, Jordan Bush introduced each member. Alexandra Walsh shook the inductee’s hand. Molly Mickley laid blue and gold cords around each student’s neck. Lydia Bender presented a certificate and membership card. Korey Zigler led the Induction Ceremony.
To conclude, Bush led the National Honor Society Pledge: “I pledge myself to always Seek the Light of Truth, to hold Scholarly Habits, to Engage in Worthy Service, and to Lead Forward to All Things That Shall Advance the Welfare of the School.”
Sydney Beveroth announced refreshments would be served in the cafeteria.
Phyllis Maxfield wore her National Honor Society pin to attend granddaughter Lilian Maxfield’s recognition ceremony. Granddaughters Andrea Beveroth and Kathryn (Beveroth) Rider are former recipients. Phyllis Maxfield received her NHS pin at graduation in 1941–75 years ago! Who knows if she will wear it to the 75th Class Reunion this year?
