National Honor Society president, Clara Lee, senior, stepped to the podium and addressed the PAC’s audience, formally welcoming them to the annual NHS induction ceremony: “Good evening. Dr. Porter, members of the faculty, parents, and students. Welcome to the Fall 2021 National Honor Society Induction ceremony.” 

BOHS’s NHS chapter, a national high school-led organization based on the four pillars of scholarship — leadership, service, and character — inducted 37 students, ranging from sophomores to seniors yesterday. 

Family members gathered in the PAC at 7 p.m. to celebrate the inductees and their achievements. Dr. Joshua Porter, principal, along with Joy Cordia and Eric Barrientos, assistant principals, were also present to welcome the family members and award inductees with their membership card. 

“The induction ceremony was special this year because for my first [ceremony], I sat upstage amongst new inductees, and the next time was online,” Lee said. “It was special to lead a group of talented and dedicated students through the ceremony.”

NHS is a selective organization that challenges students to “develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service,” according to NHS. The group has requirements of having a 3.0 GPA or above, and demonstrations of the four pillars on and off campus. 

Members represent BOHS’s leadership and “serve as leaders on our campus and in the community,” Kim Ofcacek, NHS advisor, said.

Making up many of the leaders on campus, this year’s inductees were selected from a large group of students. “We received 89 applications, and the NHS Faculty Council (made up of five staff members), selected 37 students who they felt met the NHS criteria of scholarship, character, service and leadership,” Ofcacek said.

To highlight the inductees’ academic and extracurricular achievements that earned them a spot in NHS, all current members presented a speech specific to each newly inducted student.

Newly inducted member Catherine Chiu, junior, said, “Being inducted alongside my friends and in front of my family was very special. I enjoyed hearing all of my peers’ accomplishments, and it helped me to gain a deeper respect for them.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, last year’s induction ceremony was held via a Zoom webinar. For members inducted last year, like Samantha Dizon, NHS vice president, this ceremony was their first in-person NHS induction experience. 

“The ceremony went great,” Dizon said. “Last year it was just a webinar over Zoom, so I was just sitting in my living room with my family still dressed in pajamas. It was amazing seeing so many wonderful students get recognized for this honor in person.”

Near the end of the induction ceremony, Porter led the inductees through the pledge: “I pledge myself to uphold the high purposes of the National Honor Society to which I have been selected,” he read.

The event concluded with cheers from family and friends as the newly inducted members gathered for their first NHS group photo of the year.

For the next few months, NHS members will plan and host community service projects, monthly meetings, and volunteer activities.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Alexis Alexander

Sam Allred, senior, introduces, Tyler Peterson, junior, in a welcoming speech as he is inducted into NHS. Each speech included the inductees’ involvement in the community and their outstanding attributes and was given by a current NHS member.