US Holds Annual Fall NHS Induction Ceremony

The upper school held its annual Fall National Honor Society induction ceremony the morning of September 29.

The ceremony brought together the upper school community to recognize the accomplishments of the newest members of the Benjamin Chapter of the National Honor Society.

Head of School Mr. David Faus opened the ceremony by highlighting the close connection between the National Honor Society's four pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, and character, and the values emphasized at Benjamin.

“These are all things that we hold very high in regard at Benjamin,” Faus said, noting the importance of taking time to recognize students who demonstrate those qualities.

Faus then turned the podium over to Head of Upper School Mr. Fletcher Carr who provided historical context about the organization. Benjamin's chapter of NHS was established during the 1978–79 school year, the first year the school graduated a senior class.

Carr noted that the school's NHS tradition is nearly as old as the Upper School itself and estimated that hundreds of Benjamin students, potentially approaching 1,000 over the chapter's 47-year history, have been inducted.

NHS co-advisers Mrs. Shannon Anderson and Mr. Connor Boray then welcomed the newest members and emphasized the work required to earn membership.

“The achievement of the students standing before us today is no accident,” Anderson said, pointing to their perseverance, academic commitment, leadership, and willingness to do what is right.

Mr. Boray explained that NHS membership represents an ongoing responsibility, requiring students to continue demonstrating the organization’s core values beyond the induction ceremony.

The Benjamin NHS Faculty Council evaluated candidates based on the four pillars.

During the induction, NHS President Sloan Tuohey spoke about the significance of the ceremony and the accomplishments of the students being recognized.

“Each of our inductees has demonstrated not only academic excellence, but also a commitment to making a meaningful impact in their communities,” Tuohey said.

The ceremony then highlighted individual students representing each of the NHS pillars.

Character: Oliver “Ollie” First was recognized for consistently demonstrating integrity and accountability in the classroom and on the lacrosse field, as well as for his sportsmanship and support of teammates.

Leadership: Jordan Lytal was recognized for taking initiative, collaborating with others and helping organize and guide activities through her involvement with the Prom Committee and work with campers at Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

Service: Serena Brand was recognized for more than 380 hours of community service through organizations and programs including TOP Soccer, Miracle League, Christ Fellowship and the Red Cross.

Scholarship: Zachary Noble was recognized for his academic achievements, including taking 14 Advanced Placement courses and consistently earning scores of four or higher on culminating examinations. He was also recognized for balancing his academic workload with extracurricular commitments.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional NHS candlelight ceremony and pledge.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE ENTIRE NHS CEREMONY