001Make sure I can't see the picture. Good evening. We're about to get started. Good evening members of the district school committee, administrative team, faculty, staff, family, and friends. My name is Angela Santana and I am the advisor of the National Honor Society along with Diana Casado. I welcome you this evening to the Greater Lawrence Technical School's 2023 induction ceremony of the National Honor Society. I thank you for joining us. In 1921, the National Association of Secondary School Principles passed a resolution to form the National Honor Society. The purpose of the society was to recognize predetermined standards of citizenship in our secondary schools. This new organization was formed to create in our students an enthusiasm for scholarship to promote worthy leadership to encourage the development of character to stimulate a desire to render service. In addition,
002the society encourages dedication to the pursuit of knowledge that benefits all mankind. Every student inducted as a full member into the National Honor Society this evening has met and maintained the following qualifications. Each inductee is classified as either a sophomore or a junior. Each inductee must have and maintain a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Each inductee must have a clean discipline record and maintain an attendance record of 95%. Each inductee must demonstrate leadership by participating in extracurricular activities and outside activities. Each inductee must demonstrate service by participating in community service initiatives. The National Honor Society is an organization dedicated to recognizing and encouraging those students who demonstrate excellence not only in the classroom but as leaders in their schools and communities as well. It instills students the core values of scholarship, leadership,
003character, and service. In part because members must distinguish themselves in all four of these categories. The National Honor Society is one of the most prestigious honor societies in the nation. At this time, it is my privilege to introduce our current current members led by the chapter president Maline Padija as well as the young men and women who tonight will join the ranks and become members of the Greater Lawrence Technical School chapter of the National Honor Society. Ladies and gentlemen, please stand and join me in recognizing the outstanding achievements of our National Honor Society inductees. We're waiting for the music to start. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Okay, the music can stop. Thank you. I would like to ask everyone to stand, inductees and members. And at this time, I would like to welcome Lette Aco
004to the stage to lead us in the pledge of allegiance. The flag is over there. Please rise and join me as I say 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. At this time, it gives me the great pleasure to introduce Burla Oas and Noel Picardo for the introduction of qualifications and the lighting of the eternal flame of art. seated. You may be seated. The founders of the society have established standards by which eligibility from members shall be determined. These standards have been chosen because they embody those qualities of mind and heart that are essential to all successful endeavors. Scholarship, the key to the treasure house of past
005experience into the chambers of unexplored realms. Character, the cornerstone of the temple of worthy achievement. Service, the exercise of the spirit of unselfish cooperation. Leadership without which no human endeavor can achieve worthy ends. Each person sitting on this stage has been chosen to this society because each one of them possesses in marked degree these four qualities. Members of the audience, please direct your attention to the lighted candle on the stage. The lighted candle represents the eternal light of knowledge. Each of the four candles that will surround the internal light of knowledge represent the four principles that guide the criteria and ongoing membership of the National Honor Society. In 1921, an official emblem for the society was created in the form of a keystone and flaming torch. Widely recognized, the keystone bears at its base the
006letters C, S, L, and S, which stand for the four fundamental virtues of character, scholarship, leadership, and service. The torch symbolized the search for truth. Character the composite of all common virtues set the seal of excellence upon our every endeavor. Scholarship is the power of the mind to dispel ignorance the sub the superstition through scientific investigation of truth. Leadership is the power of personality that blazes the trail for man's upward climb. Service is the beginning and the end of our education. the basis from which blessings have been given to man. To bear forward the searching light of truth, to lead that others may follow in that light. To keep burning in our schools a high ambition for the enduring values of life and to serve. These are the purposes symbolized by the torch. It gives
007me great pleasure to introduce Mariline Padija, president of the Greater Lawrence Technical School chapter of the National Honor Society. Good evening, district committee, school administration, family, friends, faculty, and new inductees. It is an honor for me to welcome you to the National Honor Society induction ceremony of 2023. Getting as far as we have has never been an easy task. Juggling not only an education, but sports, a job, and extracurricular activities is not made for the weak. Yet, it has made me stay determined and has always made me want more and more of a challenge to test my limits. Currently, I am the first junior to serve as the NHS president. When the email request went out, at first I couldn't imagine myself leading as the NHS president. However, I thought about it and I saw
008it as more as a blessing as well as an honor and a privilege. With that in mind, I encouraged myself to step out of my comfort zone and be willing to take on a task that no other junior NHS member has done before me. It was a struggle for me to keep up with everything I had going on. I wanted to be as involved as possible. From being on the cheer team to becoming a Reggie leader and having a part-time job out of school, it piled up quickly. I couldn't have done it without the teachers and coaches I have today who helped me see that I can always overcome the challenges that I have. In case you haven't noticed, there are many people who have encouraged us through life's path. I would like to personally
009thank Mrs. Santana for trusting me and guiding me and seeing the potential in me. I would also like to thank my mom for always pushing me and encouraging me to take risks and to do my best. She has been resilient in taking care of our family as a single mom and also attaining professional and personal goals. She is who I think about when I want to do better. Who do you think about when you want to do better? Is it your mom as well? Is it someone in your family? A friend, a teacher? Whoever it is, keep them in mind continuously because today is just the beginning, not the end. Each and every inductee you see standing today has demonstrated that they are risktakers and have risen up to the challenge of going through the
010NHS application process. They are sharpening their character to reflect the four pillars of NHS which include scholarship, service, leadership, and character. This is just the beginning because you will see more changes in yourself as you help others. Challenges will continue and you will need to stay focused, stay strong, and to remember to push yourself without giving up. Congratulations to all of the new inductees. Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, and sacrifice. Most of all, learn to love what you are doing or find what you love to learn. We only live once. At this time, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Principal Zalinsky, who will address the new inductees. [Applause] Good evening, school committee members, faculty, families, students, National Honor Society members, and inductees. Inductees, I'd like you to take
011a moment to look around and observe the tremendous support you hear have here for you tonight. Thank you to the members of the faculty council and our National Honor Society co-advisors, Miss Santana and Miss Casado, who work hard throughout the year with members of our National Honor Society and to make this induction ceremony so special. I'm excited to celebrate and honor all of you this evening. students who exemplify the four pillars of the National Honor Society: scholarship, character, leadership, and service. According to its constitution, membership in the local chapter is an honor bestowed upon a student. Selection for membership is by a faculty council and is based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Once selected, members have the responsibility to continue to demonstrate these qualities. Inductees, take a moment to reflect upon what you
012can do to continue to demonstrate these qualities. Parents and family members, think about how you can support your student in honoring the commitment they make tonight as future members of the National Honor Society. The qualities of scholarship, character, leadership, and service are observed here at Greater Lawrence Technical School daily in academics, sports, shops, clubs, out in co-op, in the hallways, and the cafeteria as well. Current members and inductees demonstrate a high level of scholarship by maintaining the required GPA. They are high honor role and honor role students and future scholarship recipients. I challenge our new inductees to continue to continue to pursue academic challenges and opportunities. Current members and future inductees show character by complying with all the school policies, regulations, the student code of conduct. A student of good character also upholds the principles
013and values of our school and routinely shows courtesy and respect for others. I encourage our new inductees to uphold the highest level of character not only in school but in all areas of life. Our National Honor Society members and inductees demonstrate leadership in a variety of ways. They are Reggie leaders, student athletes, class officers, members of our student government, club and committee members, and many more. For our inductees, I encourage you to build your leadership by embracing diversity and inclusion, serving as mentors, being positive and proactive, and participating in our school. When problems arrive in our school community, offer solution and be a voice for your fellow students. Our NHS members and inductees demonstrate service by serving others willingly. Those who serve are dependable, wellorganized, and willing to take on responsibility to better their community.
014Service is shown in school by current members and our inductees by participating in Skills USA, serving as Reggie leaders, class officers, and active membership in clubs, activities, and volunteer services. All members of the National Honor Society should provide service to their communities by participating in community service that is not sponsored by our school. I encourage you to pick something that you are passionate about and volunteer. This may come in from the form of working for your church, working with at an animal shelter, serving the elderly community, or working with younger children, just to name a few. Find something that you're passionate about. I am hopeful all of our inductees here tonight take the responsibility outlined in the chapter bylaws to heart and continue to strive towards modeling the four pillars of the National Honor Society.
015Let these pillars alongside our core values serve as guideposts for how you live and serve your community. Congratulations and best wishes you at this time. It gives me great pleasure to introduce Ronald Ramirez, the keynote speaker. Ronald is a Dominican first generation graduate from the class of 2014 GLTS's business technology department and a former vice president of the National Honor Society. He currently works as a private consulting firm as an external audit manager of unclaimed property services for the state government as well as a Spanish medical interpreter in training within the healthcare industry. He and his lovely wife Dory both grew up in Lawrence. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration, concentrated in management information systems along with a minor in Spanish from UMass Lel in 2018, and subsequently completed his MBA in
016business intelligence analytics from Southern New Hampshire University in 2022. Please join me in welcoming Ronald Ramirez. [Applause] Thank you everyone, district community, school administration, new inductees, family members, and staff. It is an honor to be a part of this ceremony once again. and such a pleasure to share in the intensity of emotions filling this auditorium as I reminisce about my time here. Parents, you are probably wondering where the years have gone. So am I. As you marvel at your sons and daughters accomplishments today, we recognize their excellence in service, character, scholarship, and leadership. We live in a time when our world is dealing with enormous challenges, but at a time when the opportunities created by those challenges have never been greater. Growing up in Lawrence, I was a product of two hardworking immigrant parents from
017the Dominican Republic who left everything behind to start a new life with their two children in the land of opportunity. Seeing my parents sacrifice so much motivated me to excel in everything that I did in order to make them proud. But what truly inspired me to move forward was the dedication of all the teachers and professors I encountered throughout middle school, high school, and college, all within this small area we call the Marramac Valley. It is worth mentioning the ones who pushed me to my fullest potential in this very place. Kate Keys and Angela Santana. If it were not for you both, I would not be standing here today speaking in front of a large crowd. Yes, you pushed me to overcome my fear of public speaking through PowerPoint presentations. Even though I had that
018paralyzing stage fright that most introverts struggle with, nevertheless, with great courage and lots of practice, I was able to face my fears. It is true what they say though that everything you have ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear. Once I got over that, I was able to tap into my latent leadership skills. First and foremost, people want their leaders to be innovators and honest more than smart and inspiring. That is because credibility equals trustworthiness. In other words, you will not believe the message if you do not believe the messenger. Our words must become actions as we practice what we preach. The minute you cease to do what you said you would, you lose credibility. Therefore, leaders need to live up to the values they teach by modeling the way and setting
019the example. All of you here tonight are natural leaders. Leadership at its core is the ability to influence relationships. Leaders help themselves and others to do the right thing. They build an inspiring vision, foster collaboration, and encourage people to take action. Yet, while leaders set the direction, they must also use their talents wisely to guide people in the right track as smoothly as possible. I personally believe that leadership starts with a vision which is a realistic, convincing and attractive depiction of where you want to be in the future. Visions provide direction, set priorities and provide a marker so that you can measure your growth as we are all a work in progress. Learning the real meaning of leadership is indispensable for your career and personal life. However, leadership means different things around the world and
020in different situations. For example, it could relate to community leadership, religious leadership, political leadership, as well as transformational leadership in the workplace or in any social environment. Transformational leaders lead by example and tend to use inspiration and empathy to engage others. They are known to possess courage, confidence, and willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. Personally speaking, that is the type of leadership style I prefer. As a former member and vice president of the National Honor Society, I know what the membership entails, and I believe it is your duty to be involved in helping our community grow. Every member should seek creative ways to contribute and cooperate in your communities in order to improve it and make it a better place for future generations. And that starts at your school. Greater Lawrence Tech is
021a wonderful place to begin your journey as you discover what better suits your path forward. I was in your shoes once, uncertain of where my choices would lead me. Just remember that you are not the face of the future but of the present. Your calling or vocation starts now. You are called to be great, to be extraordinary, to stand out in everything that you do. You can do anything you set your mind to with great effort and dedication. You can get very far in life. I can attest to that myself because it does not matter where you think you will go or how long it takes you to get there. What matters is that you keep moving forward. Besides, failure is an essential prerequisite of success. Through failure, you will get to know yourself better
022and you will learn from your mistakes. Failure makes us reconsider and find new ways and strategies to achieve our goals. So do not be afraid of it. I am talking about this because I thought I had failed when I ended up switching majors in college. Prior to choosing business administration, I had gone for computer science in my undergrad. My whole life I had always succumbed to the dreams of my parents. I thought that if I stayed on a straight path, I would be happy. But that was merely an illusion. The real learning curve was in the process of realizing what was not meant for me. Thus, after coming to the realization that I did not share my parents' expectations for my future career, I decided to forge my own path. At the end of the
023day, they just wanted me to get a higher education and become a professional since they could not. But I did it in my own way. I graduated from UMass Low with a bachelor's in business because that was what stuck with me since high school. Due to the various technical skills I acquired at this vocational school, I was able to easily land an internship during college and a permanent position right out of college. At the time, my resume stood out to employers. And as an intern, they were impressed at the fact that I was advanced in Microsoft applications at such a young age or that I could even type faster than my senior counterparts. That led me to gain an internship at my current job. Today, I work for a private contractor as a manager of
024unclaimed property services for several state clients. And just last year, I completed my MBA in business analytics at Southern New Hampshire University. And I can say that I love what I do for a living because I help reunite people with missing money they never thought they had. As you can see, I went through all the typical steps to get to where I am today. But I chose what worked for me. And this is what I encourage you to do. To chase your dreams and not people. I say this because when I was your age, many students were just in a certain career area because of their friends or perhaps even a boyfriend or girlfriend. I do not recommend this because in my experience, most of the people you are close to now would not be
025around after graduation. Life takes us all down different paths. We must find our own way for our own life, no matter how similar they may be. Have faith in yourself. Even if you cannot see what lies ahead, it is there waiting for you. Last words of advice. True happiness does not depend on how much wealth you possess. Happiness is totally circumstantial. Surrounding yourselves with a supportive community is what helps you thrive. Money and material wealth are not fulfilling human needs, but social connections, safety, and education are. In the words of Nelson Mandela, education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Thank you all again for having me and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Congratulations to the new inductees of this year's National Honor Society.
026At this time, it gives me great pleasure to bring to the podium Maline Padija, the chapter president to preside over the candle lighting ceremony. [Applause] The membership of the National, excuse me, the membership of the Greater Lawrence Technical School chapter of the National Honor Society has been earned by the effective demonstration of the four qualities held in high esteem by the society. Four of the members will receive these qualities for the candidates. Scholarship, leadership, character, and service. At this time, it gives me great pleasure to invite a Stephanie Mayorgga Pradomo to the podium to discuss the qualifications of scholarship and Adam and Kolingo to the light to light the scholarship ceremonial candle. Scholarship means a commitment to learning. Students are willing to spend hours in reading and study. Knowing the lasting benefits of cultivated mind,
027we should continue to learn even when formal education has ended. For education ends only only with the end of life. Knowledge is one great element in life which leads to the high success. It can be acquired in only one way through diligence and effort. Learning furnishes the lamp by which we read the past and the light illuminates the future. Candidates have the charge to continually expand their world through the opportunities inherited in scholarship. At this time, it gives me pleasure to invite to the podium Lani Sanchez to discuss the qualifications for leadership in Alexander Shapiro to light the ceremonial candle. Leadership should exert wholesome influence on the school. In taking the initiative in class and school activities, the real leader tries to train and aid others to obtain the same objective. The price of leadership
028is the sacrifice, the willingness to yield one's personal interest for the interest of others. A leader has self-confidence and will go forward when others hesitate. No matter what power and resources may exist in a country, they're ineffectual without the guidance of a leader of a wise leader. I mean, leadership should I mean, excuse me, leadership is always needed thus a thus to lead a subtainive charge to each of the members. At this time, it gives me pleasure to invite Lisa Seedo to the podium to discuss the qualification of character and Christine Seder to light the ceremonial candle. Character. Character is the force within each individual which distinguishes that person from others. It gives each of us our individuality. It is without that no one can respect oneself nor hope to attain the respect of others.
029It is this force of character that guides one through life and when once develop grows steadily. Characters is achieved and not received. It is a product of constant action striving daily to make the right choice. The problem of character is the problem of self-control. We must be in reality what we wish to appear to others. By demonstrating such qualities such as respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship, we may hope to prove by example that we value character. At this time, it gives me great pleasure to invite Michelle Maro to the podium to discuss the qualification for service and Ariel Salasar to light the ceremonic candle. My office is service. Service can be described in various ways. In the routine of the day's work, many opportunities arise to help others. Willingness to work for the
030benefit of those in need without monetary compensation or without recognition is the quality we seek in our membership. We are committed to the idea of volunteering our time and abilities to the creation of a better tomorrow. Maline Padilla and Mrs. Santana will now lead us in the introduction of the inductees. Where does it say? Okay. Ceremonies such as the one you are observing this evening are conducted by high schools throughout the spring and across the c country by nationally certified chapters of the National Honor Society. Dr. Edward Rinerson, founder of the National Honor Society, described the setting of the induction ceremony. He stated, "These exercises should always be held in public in order that no one will confuse the society with a secret fraternity that the school and community as a whole may catch the
031inspiration of higher ideals. The purpose of such a ceremony is to welcome a new group of outstanding individuals to an organization that recognizes students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in scholarship, character, leadership, and service. The symbols surrounding all of all of us this evening are embedded in great tradition. The candle lighting ceremony being utilized this evening is the oldest and common in common traditions of the National Honor Society induction ceremonies. This is the time when inductees now become members. a time when they will be vested with the gold stole an indication of hard work and academic achievement. At this time, we will be calling the inductees by name. The music can start. I apologize if I say somebody's name wrong. We'll see. We'll start as soon as the music starts. Okay. I can't wait for the
032music. I'm getting antsy. Okay. Fine. Jerem Jesus. [Music] Mia de la Cruz. Grandi Hill, [Music] Jollette Gomez, Aguas Viva, [Music] Esmeralda Himenez, [Music] Shahif say, [Music] Alec Santiago [Music] Ashley Tavares Castillo, [Music] Carolina Savala. Natalie Aldana [Music] Marisol Almansad Polano [Music] Jefferson Bahera, [Music] Megan Cole, [Music] Mia Copeling, Alandra Cordiero, [Music] Ruby Cornelier, Monat Custodio. [Music] I de leong morel, [Music] Vanessa Diaz. Jeralis Diaz Perez, [Music] Ethan Dubois [Music] Angeli Espo, [Music] Victoria Espinosa. [Music] and Marie Garcia Martinez, [Music] Rosani Hill, Caldero [Music] Elva Granjo, [Music] Madielli, Hakovita. [Music] Marcel Lightfoot Taylor, [Music] Lenita Lopez. Cassandra Malave, Lugo, [Music] Rasheli Martinez, [Music] Donald McY, [Music] Leila Monttero, [Music] Haley Morz, Jeremy Musc Bernice Olivier, [Music] Jinis Perez. S [Music] Mia Heres, [Music] Ariana Rodriguez, [Music] Geriliz Rodriguez, [Music] Dana Roas. Scarlett Roas Nunes, [Music] Gilma
033Rosales, [Music] Jasine Rosales, [Music] Clarielis Rosario, [Music] Julysa Sanchez, Margaret Cifllin [Music] this Lenny Ujo [Music] Maya Vargas Guess [Music] Vargas, Joshua Vasquez, Whitaker Young, Roberto, Sora [Music] And I'm happy to tell you, [Applause] Mrs. Mrs. Casado will lead the new members in the NHS pledge. You may be seated. You can go back down. It gives me great pleasure to introduce Norbellis Espel, treasurer of the Greater Lawrence Technical School chapter of the National Honor Society to the podium to offer the closing address. Michelle Obama once said, Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude. Our new inductees have shown this. Confidence isn't about feeling superior to others. It is about the inner knowledge that you're capable of. Good evening, district committee, school administration, teachers, students, parents, family, and friends. We gather here
034today to pay tribute to these students who have worked their hardest to their themselves and their community by rising up and formally being inducted into the National Honor Society. Life is like a book and today our new in inductees have a open a new chapter in their lives. These students will be challenged in completing community service hours, keeping the G GPA above a 3.5 and making sure they represent the National Honor Society in their best behavior. I would like to say that I'm proud of each and everyone and that I'm taking the opportunity to speak in behalf of myself and the other current members in saying that you're not alone and that we walk with you to help to help you in this journey. As this ceremony comes to an end, I would like to
035invite all members, parents, advisors, and special guests to the cafeteria who where food will be served. Please, [Applause] this ceremony is officially ended. But before we give out hugs, we just I just have to ask the current members and the new inductees. Oh, can someone please blow out these five candles before I stop breathing. Thank the Lord. So, we just need to take a group photo. Are they trick candles? Maybe they are. Sorry. Let's give her a round of applause. I'm going to ask all the members and the new inductees. We're going to take a group photo. I think I'm I'm gonna recommend that the new We're going to try to Where are you? Right there. He's coming. We'll stay here. [Applause] the cheapest piece of paper. later. Get us This is just a reminder.
036New inductees, after your pictures, please return the stoalls. After your pictures, please return the stoalls. When you're ready, you can take your picture. Okay, let me get out of the way. I need to get my bag.