001I'm ready. She's a girl. Yeah, but I >> Mhm. >> Good evening. My name is Zoe Todd, and I am honored to represent the Union High School Chapter of NHS as we begin our induction ceremony. Please stand as we welcome our chapter's current members and the 2026 inductees of our National Honor Society. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please be seated. It is my pleasure to introduce our chapter president, Valentina Angold Rojas. >> [applause] [applause] >> Dr. Gentile, Ms. Sabo, Ms. Chebuhar, families, guests, and students. Good evening and welcome to Union High School's 48th annual National Honor Society Induction Ceremony. We are
002gathered tonight to formally recognize those who students who are being inducted as new members of our NHS chapter. Dr. Gentile, Senora Sabo, Senor Chebuhar, familias, invitados, y estudiantes. Buenas noches y bienvenidos a la 48 ceremonia anual de inducción de la Sociedad Nacional de Honores de Union High School. Nos reunimos esta noche para reconocer formalmente aquellos estudiantes que son inductados como nuevos miembros de nuestro capítulo de NHS. Today's ceremony is a reminder of the continuing emphasis on excellence that we represent for our school and community. Throughout the year, members of our chapter serve as role models for other students. In addition to the strong academic records, which establish eligibility for membership, our chapter members are leaders in many organizations and serve our school and local community through a variety of activities. We are proud of this
003record of accomplishment and welcome these new members who bring new energy in in support of our continuing work as NHS members. La ceremonia de hoy es un recordatorio del énfasis continuo en la excelencia que representamos para nuestra escuela y nuestra comunidad. A lo largo del año, los miembros de nuestro capítulo sirven como modelos a seguir para otros estudiantes. Además de los sólidos expedientes académicos que les otorgan la elegibilidad para ser miembros, los integrantes de nuestro capítulo son líderes en numerosas organizaciones y prestan servicio a nuestra escuela y la comunidad local a través de >> At this time we proclaim that membership in the Union High School chapter of NHS has been earned by 32 candidates through the effective demonstration of four qualities that serve as standards for the National Honor Society. Members of the chapter
004will now share more about each pillar. At this Sorry. Please welcome Diana Castino. >> [applause] >> Good evening everyone. Martin Luther King Jr. in the purpose of education wrote, "The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate." To us, this means hours dedicated to our studies and a focus on the lasting benefits of a cultivated mind. Scholarship denotes a commitment to learning gained through experiences both in and out of the classroom and continuously looking for opportunities to gain more knowledge. To me, scholarship means being dedicated to learning, seeking out new ideas, expanding on knowledge one already has, and challenging things we were taught to believe. Being members of the EHS chapter of National Honor Society, we are committed to our education and curiosity in various aspects of
005our lives. For some, that meant bravely taking AP biology or challenging themselves with AP calculus. For others, it meant analyzing literature and strengthening their writing. Beyond the classroom, scholarship is reflected in the personal interests our membership explores, including art, music, working with textiles, and playing sports. Each and every member on this stage has taken scholarship further than grades and test scores. We have focused on cultivating our minds and using our knowledge with the purpose of making a meaningful impact on our school and community. I have had the privilege to work alongside everyone on this stage. We have all been able to learn from each other, to build off of each other's ideas, and expand each other's thinking through respectful debate. Each of us will continue to represent the NHS pillar of scholarship in our future
006endeavors at the following institutions. Boston University, George Washington University, Harvard, James Madison University, Kean, Lafayette, Louisiana State University, Mercer County Community College, Messiah University, Morgan State University, North Carolina State University, Northern Michigan University, Princeton, Purdue University, Rutgers New Brunswick, Seton Hall University, Syracuse University, and University of Delaware. These accomplishments not only reflect our academic success, but the commitment to learning that defines true scholarship. I'm certain that the new inductees will represent scholarship to the fullest, including the senior inductees who will be furthering their education at Drew University, George Mason University, Kean, Pratt Institute, and University of Delaware. To the new inductees, I'm sure you will bring the same love of learning that we did to the EHS chapter of NHS and continue to grow as lifelong scholars. We look forward to your academic success and
007educational pursuits as you challenge yourselves, pursue your passions, and carry the spirit of scholarship into the opportunities that lie ahead. Now, please welcome Diana Lima Flores and Kayla Smith. >> [applause] >> Character is is the force within the individual that distinguishes each person from others. It creates for each of us our individuality, our goodness. Everyday, your character is displayed in your actions and the choices you make. It is seen in the respect you have for yourself and the respect you give to others. It is the force of character that guides one through life and once developed, grows steadily within. Character is achieved, not received. It is the product of constant thought and action, the daily striving to make the right choice. The strive for good character is the strive for self-control. We must be in
008reality what we wish to appear to others, to be rather than to seem. By demonstrating such qualities as respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship, we hope to prove by example that we value character. Our chapter, the National Honor Society, exemplifies strong character through academic excellence, perseverance, and responsibility. We challenge ourselves with rigorous courses while remaining committed to academic integrity and hard work. Beyond the classroom, we demonstrate character through our involvement in sports, extracurricular activities, religious communities, and organizations outside school. Showing the pride we take in serving and strengthening our communities. Our members also reflect good character in the way we support, respect, and engage with our peers, teachers, and school staff each day. Throughout this year, we have gotten to know every member of this chapter personally. Honesty, kindness, dependability, and enthusiasm are just
009some of the qualities that stand out when we think of our members. Our continuous dedication to the qualities that create our goodness allowed us to foster a school environment that makes positive, inclusive, and enjoyable. For some, their character may only reflect those they interact with. But, for this chapter, our commitment to maintain our character has never wavered because it's who we are. As we move forward, our commitment to the pillar of character will extend far beyond the walls of Union High School and the Union community. Guiding us through the opportunities and challenges that are to come. We leave this chapter of NHS in the hands of the inductees, trusting that they will hold themselves to the same high standards of character that we uphold every day. Next, we would like to introduce Aisha Kinlaw. >>
010[applause] >> Leadership should exert a wholesome influence on the school. In taking initiative in the classroom and in the school activity, set an example in your words and deeds to motivate others to follow. It is about engaging people by guiding their direction to a common goal. A leader has to have confidence and will go forward when others hesitate. No matter what power and resources may exist in a school, community, or nation, they're ineffectual without the guidance of a of a wise leader. NHS members are leaders in and out of the classroom. The current members of our chapter have gone above and beyond simply meeting expectations. We have redefined what leadership looks like in our school and community. You can see it in the classrooms where we took initiative not just to succeed, but to help
011others succeed with us. You see it across our school where NHS members have set a standard for both quiet and visible leadership. You see it in the time we spent considering and creating programs like My Little Buddy, an initiative that aims at meeting the needs of many of our peers. What defines this membership group is not simple achievement but real impact. To the incoming members, know that you're stepping into responsibility. Take initiative, support one another, and lead with purpose because leadership is not measured by what you accomplish alone, but by what you can inspire others to achieve. Congratulations, and please welcome Emily Guzman Suarez. >> [applause] [applause] >> Service can be defined as the act of voluntarily giving your time, using your skills, and talents for the benefit of the community. Through our service efforts
012as individuals or as a group, we build empathy as we learn more about those in need or crisis. Service also fulfills one of our responsibilities as citizens. As a National Honor Society member, you will be you will be presented with many opportunities to deepen your understanding of service leadership and to grow your passion for helping others. As a member of the National Honor Society, I quickly came to realize that service isn't about big, dramatic moments. It's about consistency. It's about choosing to show up in quiet moments when there's no recognition or applause. And deciding to still be of service because you care. As a group, our commitment to service has had a real impact, and one moment that showed us the kind of impact we were capable of was our winter coat drive supporting Jersey
013Cares. What began as a simple collection quickly turned into a township-wide effort, and every coat collected represented warmth, comfort, and care for someone in our community. We also participated in the Trenton Makes initiative at Cure Arena alongside other service clubs, where we packed meals for those around the world facing food insecurity. This was a true reminder that service takes collaboration, effort, and commitment. We also built connections with Lore and Talbott elementary schools by supporting their families during our PTA meetings. While parents were in their monthly meetings, we spent time with younger students playing gym games, making coloring sheets, and having conversations about our days. My favorite moment was at Lore when Kim and I played a game of basketball against Juliana and another third grader, and somehow we ended up losing. Our service didn't just
014focus on the community outside of our school. As NHS members, we also turned our focus inward. We took lead on appreciation days, recognizing EHS faculty and staff throughout the year. Whether through small gestures or organized efforts, we made sure that the people who support us every day felt seen and valued. This kind of service reminds us that giving back can start right where we are. So, as our chapter membership moves on, we don't just leave with the a list of completed service. We carry with us the understanding that even the smallest actions can have a greater impact than we might expect. Thank you. >> [applause] >> At this time, will the new inductees please rise. >> [applause] >> Raise your right hand and repeat the NHS pledge after me. I pledge to uphold I pledge
015to uphold the high purposes of the National Honor Society the high purposes of the National Honor Society to which I have been selected. to which I will be true to the principles for which it stands. I will maintain and encourage the high standards of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Thank you. You may be seated. >> [applause] >> Now, please welcome our chapter secretary, Chad Gillard, to our podium. >> [applause] >> Serving as secretary this year has been a meaningful experience. I've learned what it truly takes to help support a strong community. From the late nights designing canvas uploads for appreciation days, the long text chains with Juliana, or the long text chains with Juliana, organizing staff list so every member felt seen, and communicating with Ms. Chee and Val about meeting ideas. I experienced firsthand
016the dedication and the teamwork our chapter embodies. I credit our chapter for shaping not only my understanding of leadership, but also my appreciation for the people who make a community feel valued. And as we prepare to induct our new members, I would love to take a moment to give our current members their flowers. To each and every member, I want to thank you for giving your time, dedication, and effort to all of our chapter initiatives. The work we have done together has brought so much joy to our community, and as we transition to the next chapter, let's hold on to that passion and continue to dedicate ourselves to scholarship, character, leadership, and service. It's been more than a pleasure to serve as your secretary this past year, and though I'm sad that this year our
017time together as members has come to come to an end, I'm overjoyed to see where we are all headed in the future. Current members, please stand. Let us take a moment to recognize our two-year NHS members, thank them for all their efforts this year, and wish them all well in their future endeavors. >> [applause] >> Now, inductees, please make your way to the right side of the auditorium. As your name is called, please step forward onto the stage to receive your membership pin and certificate, and to sign the official chapter registry. Andrea Angulo Rojas >> [applause] >> Savannah Brown >> [applause] >> Tamika Clermont >> [applause] >> Didan Coakley >> [applause] >> Aubrey Elmer >> [applause] >> Dolly Gammo >> [applause] >> Lauren >> [applause] >> Kennedy Hendricks >> [applause] >> Mesa Jean Pierre >>
018[applause] >> Atalia Shaquille >> [applause] >> Colin Jones >> [applause] >> Zay Little >> [applause] >> Landon Marsh >> [applause] >> Jake McDuff >> [applause] >> Adeline Martinez >> [applause] >> Mia Mastrianni >> [applause] >> Roy McDonald >> [applause] >> Miami McQuarter Robinson >> [applause] >> Mila Mohamed >> [applause] >> Amy Naharro Gonzalez >> [applause] >> Eulma Aparo >> [applause] >> Joel Parsons >> [applause] >> Dylan >> [applause] >> Rocky Richardson >> [applause and cheering] >> Lex Space >> [applause] >> Siana Absher >> [applause] >> Seri Evoluci >> [applause] >> Ariana Last Name >> [applause and cheering] >> NOAH WILLIAMS >> [cheering] [applause] >> BROOKLYN WRIGHT >> [cheering and applause] >> ELIANI ZAPATA COMPANA >> [applause] >> And Shannon assistant. >> [cheering] [applause] >> AS WE NEAR THE END OF OUR CEREMONY, I want to
019thank everyone for coming. I generally can't believe my time as NHS president is coming to an end. It's been such an amazing and rewarding experience. To continue being of service for my and and getting to lead such an amazing group of A piece of advice that I would like to share with >> [applause] [applause] >> with our new members is to develop your genuine passion for helping others because that's how we can all make a difference in the world. Lastly, I want to give Ms. T her flowers for doing such an amazing job as your advisor. Thank you for always creating a welcoming space. We all appreciate your hard work. >> [applause] >> I also want to thank my family for always supporting me and allowing me to follow my dreams. >> One long standing
020tradition of our chapter's induction ceremony is to announce next year's president. A president is chosen by the faculty council during the selection process. The council seeks out a president who is the most excellent model of the four pillars of scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Our chapter's next president was selected by the faculty council upon recognition of a strong commitment to a continued and meaningful service through both school activities and community organizations. The council was impressed by this person's steady steady growth in their involvement in in and leadership of many activities. They were also struck by a teacher's character recommendation, which emphasizes individuals' integrity and natural ability to lead by example. It is my honor and pleasure to announce next year's NHS president, and it is AMY NOW. >> [cheering] [applause] [cheering and applause] [applause] >>
021THIS CONCLUDES OUR NHS INDUCTION CEREMONY. In a moment, members will pose for a few photos. We kindly ask guests to not come down on the stage area until after the professional photos are taken. We then invite everyone to move to the senior cafeteria for a light reception. We thank you all for attending and ask you to once again congratulate all of our new National Honor Society members. >> [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> Thank you, everyone. >> Mhm.