By Jim Beers, Contributing Writer
CHESTER — The Chester High School Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society recently held its induction ceremony for new members. The 2021-22 induction class totaled 13 students which brings the Chester NHS membership to a total of 25 members.
The ceremony took place December 8, 2021 in the CHS Dr. F. James Sharp Cafeteria. Current members, inductees, NHS Sponsors along with parents and family members gathered to help celebrate the induction of new members.
The 2021-22 Induction Class of the Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society at Chester High School includes:(front row, left to right): Paige Vasquez, Reese McCormick, Alexandra Hennrich, Kylie Fortner, Emma Eggemeyer, Sydney Collins, (back row, left to right: Ethan Stumpe, Briley Miles, Megan Miller, Ashley Roberts, Mikayla Straight, Kerrington Malley, and Jacob Handel. (Jim Beers Photos)
Summit Chapter sponsors Sophia Durbin and Evelyn Hankins were joined by Principal Missy Meyer and current NHS Officers Abbigail Bollmann, President, Madison Kribs, Vice President, Alyssa Seymour, Secretary, and Anna, Childs, Treasurer, in conducting the ceremony.
The ceremony began with an official entrance of members and inductees. As they marched to their appointed seating area accompanied by recorded music, inductees were reverently observed and greeted by parents and family members, along with officers, local news media and sponsors.
2021-22 Chester High School National Honor Society Officers include (left to right): Abbigail Bollmann, President; Madison Kribs, Vice President; Alyssa Seymour, Secretary; and Anna Childs, Treasurer. Jim Beers Photo
Once the procession was complete, Sophia Durbin, Co-NHS Sponsor greeted the audience and inductees and welcomed everyone to the ceremony. Evelyn Hankins, Co-NHS Sponsor then gave a brief introduction of the purpose of the evening’s activities and Officers were introduced.
Hankins then began the induction by having the officers review the four main qualities of National Honor Society membership. These qualities include Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character.
The 2021-22 members of the Chester High School Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society include (front row, left to right): Officers: Abbigail Bollmann, President; Madison Kribs, Vice President; Alyssa Seymour; and Anna Childs, Treasurer; (second row, left to right) Briley Miles, Trace Fricke, Koby Jany, Jared Landeros, Savanna Guebert, Chelsea August, Hannah Blechle, and Mikayla Straight, (third row, left to right): Ethan Stumpe, Alexandra Hennrich, Paige Vasquez, Reese McCormick, Megan Miller, Ashley Roberts, Jacob Handel, Emma Eggemeyer, Kylie Fortner, Sydney Collins, and Kerrington Malley. Not pictured: Emma Bryant and Camille Schroeder.
Prospective members are evaluated on each of these four qualities when being considered for membership acceptance. The four officers discussed these individual qualities after lighting the candle on the Head Table that represents the respective quality.
President Abbigail Bollmann discussed the quality of Scholarship. Vice President Madison Kribs discussed the quality of Service. Secretary Alyssa Seymour discussed the quality of Leadership, and Treasurer Anna Childs discussed the quality of Character.
Mrs. Hankins stressed the importance of each applicant being evaluated on each of these qualities and how the application process involves a thorough inspection of proof of fulfillment of each area.
Chester High School National Summit Chapter National Honor Society Sponsors are Evelyn Hankins (left) and Sophia Durbin (right).
Hankins mentioned that ongoing service, five hours of community service per semester or 10 hours annually, is required by all continuing members each school year. Members must also be committed to continually expand their knowledge base to cultivate their minds.
Leadership includes exerting a wholesome influence on the entire school as well as taking initiatives in the classroom. Finally, Character involves in making the right decisions. Character is achieved, not received, and involves respecting oneself. It has to do with goodness.
Chester High School junior, Jacob Handel signs the CHS Summit Chapter registry during the 2021-22 National Honor Society induction ceremony.
Following the review of the four qualities and/or requirements of National Honor Society membership, each candidate was asked to come to the head table to sign the Summit Chapter membership register, and Mrs. Durbin and Mrs. Hankins presented them with a pin and token of membership.
New Inductees included Sydney Collins, Emma Eggemeyer, Kylie Fortner, Jacob Handel, Alexandra Hennrich, Kerrington Malley, Reese McCormick, Briley Miles, Megan Miller, Ashley Roberts, Mikayla Straight, Ethan Stumpe, and Paige Vasquez.
Current NHS members include eight senior members of the Class of 2022 including Emma Bryant, Hannah Blechle, Abbigail Bollmann, Anna Childs, Jared Landeros, Madison Kribs, Camille Schroeder, and Alyssa Seymour.
The Junior Class of 2023 has four members including Chelsea August, Trace Fricke, Savanna Guebert, and Koby Jany. With the 13 new inductees and the 12 current members, the Chester High School National Honor Society now boasts 25 members.
To complete the induction ceremony the inductees recited the National Honor Society Pledge which states, “I pledge to uphold the high purposes of the National Honor Society to which I have been selected. I will be true to the principles for which it stands; and will maintain and encourage the high standards of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character”.
In closing, it was mentioned that senior members would receive a gold cord to wear around their neck on their graduation gowns. Light refreshments were enjoyed following the ceremony and there was a photo session on Colbert Gymnasium’s Rocky Bridges Court.