NHS welcomes new members

Thursday evening at Hot Springs County High School, 12 students became new members of the National Honor Society (NHS). Those inducted were: Stormy Cox, Emmie Coyne, Kylar LaBoy, Jared Little, Haley McDermott, Taylor Nuttall, Hudson Roling, Alex Russell, Mary Ryan, Josie Thurgood, Wyatt Wright and Shianne Yarrington. Prior to the ceremony, students, friends, family and school staff enjoyed a potluck dinner.

The ceremony began with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, followed with some words from Honor Society Chapter President Shaynie Bauer, who explained the inductees were chose based on their grade-point averages, the number of advanced classes they have taken, the awards and honors they've received and evidence of their leadership, character and service.

"Membership in this society," Bauer said, "is one of the highest honors this school can bestow." She noted NHS holds the qualities of scholarship, leadership, service and character in high regard. This past year, she noted, members of the local chapter have worked to be role models for the school and community, and they hope they have made the world a better place. Bauer also introduced the speaker for the evening, Eric Kay.

Kay has been a teacher with the Hot Springs County School District for 24 years. In that time he has taught grades 6-12, in a variety of subjects. He was also the high school drama director for about 20 years. "Needless to say, I've taught a lot of kids," Kay said. "And I've also learned a lot of things over the years."

Kay informed the inductees that they represent "the cream of the crop, academically" at the high school, and they are held to a higher standard. He further spoke about three subjects: passion, persistence and potential.

He advised the students to start thinking about what they really love to do, whether it has to do with academic study or a hobby. "What fires you up? What actually inspires you to be better than you are? That is passion."

As for persistence, Kay said, "I don't care how smart you are. I don't care how well you scored on the ACT. Yes, those things will open doors for you, but they do not define you." The students, he noted, define themselves through their choices. Sticking with things that are difficult, even if you don't see the immediate value, is persistence.

With regard to potential, Kay said all of the inductees have it, but cautioned if they don't do anything with that potential it won't make a difference.

Kay read "What Do You Do With an Idea?" by Kobi Yamada, asking the students think about passion, potential and persistence as they listen. The story follows a youth who has an idea, and his journey of bringing that idea into the world.

The inductees have met the requirements of membership: scholarship, leadership, character and service. A candle-lighting ceremony represents these values, and helps remind members of their accomplishments and future responsibility. Following the ceremony, new inductees stood and recited the pledge of membership, after which they were duly installed as members of NHS.