CAMDEN, NY - The Camden High School Chapter of the National Honor Society celebrated the induction of 49 new student members on Tuesday, November 7th. The inductees were formally welcomed to the society’s ranks in front of a large crowd of friends, family members, and well-wishers as part of a formal ceremony held at the Camden High School auditorium.
The 49 new members include 46 juniors, two seniors, and one honorary foreign exchange student member. The honorary exchange student member is Pia Kochendorfer, who has joined the school community from Germany this year.
They join an active roster of 29 current senior members in the chapter. The chapter is advised by Mrs. Heidi Libertella, and Miss Christina McCarthy.
Admittance to the society is a prestigious honor that reflects a student’s commitment to the NHS values of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. A student must carry an overall average of 90 or above in the classroom, routinely seek and complete leadership and community service opportunities, strongly contribute to the school community through extracurricular activities, and demonstrate strong character. Membership is open to juniors and seniors.
The program was led by two of the NHS officers: President Ava Platt, and Vice President Lilyan Baker. Highlights of the evening included the presentation of inductees, the traditional NHS candle ceremony, and keynote remarks by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ravo Root.
“In this room, we have a large group of students who are capable of accomplishing anything they set their minds to in life,” Root said to the audience. “I encourage all of you to set your goals high, and anticipate that you will need to persevere as you make your way toward achieving those goals.”
Throughout his address, Root discussed the enduring life lessons of humility he received from his own father growing up, and how those lessons can be applied to carrying out the Society’s mission.
For an eighteenth time, the Society also elected to induct an honorary adult member. An honorary adult membership can be granted by student members to an adult member of the school community who has had an especially significant influence on their educational pursuits, and on their lives as students. Mrs. Kelly Doran, a Spanish teacher at Camden High School, became the sixteenth Camden staff member to receive this honor. A full list of inductees is below.
Click here for a full gallery of images from the evening!
Senior Inductees
Elizabeth Hunley
Braelin Page
Honorary Foreign Exchange Student Inductee
Pia Kochendorfer
Junior Inductees
McKenzie Allard
Jade Barringer
Luke Beers
Lauryn Bell
Billy Bernabe
Genavieve Castelluzzo
Hannah Cere
Addison Clements
Amilee Coonrod
Abigail Douglas
Calli Evans
Triston Foster
Ariana Fox
Hailey Gladle
Rylee Greggains
Mettarose Grinnell
Caden Grygiel
Hailey Hicks
Madison Hildenbrandt
Ellie Hite
Julia Holmes
Dolmae Mara Honrales
Olivia Hooker
Madison Johnston
Mackenzie Keil
Xenia Kirby
Jacob Lago
Ryen Lago
Ariana Levin
Lainie Liberatore
Isaac Lynch
Sydney Matthews
Noah Metott
Kassandra Negron
Madison Palmer
Malaya Philpott
Thomas Potter
Lyla Robertson
Melanie Rowe
David Smith Jr.
Hannah Smith
Piper Snyder
Annaka Stauring
Jozette Thorn
Alyssa Vera
Todd Willson
The active senior members pose for a photo with honorary adult member Kelly Doran, who they chose for this year's honor.
The new members wait to be seated after the processional.
Chapter Vice President Lilyan Baker explains the NHS Emblem.
Chapter Treasurer Nevaeh Myers explains the NHS principle of Scholarship.
Chapter Service Coordinator Layla Killino lights the candle signifying Service.
Newly-inducted member Rylee Greggains poses after receiving her envelope.
Honorary foreign exchange student Pia Kochendorfer poses with her envelope. Pia is studying with us on exchange from Germany.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ravo Root delivers the evening's keynote remarks.
Kelly Doran receives her honorary adult membership plaque from Chapter Vice President Lilyan Baker.