On October 2nd, Rye Neck High School inducted 81 seniors into the National Honor Society (NHS).  Founded in 1921, the NHS was established to recognize and encourage individual academic achievement, while promoting the development of other characteristics essential to good citizenship. Students’ candidacy is initially based on scholarship by maintaining a three-year average of 90% or higher.  Once students show this commitment, members of the Honor Society must also demonstrate strength of character, potential for leadership, and active service to the community. 

     Today, these ideals remain the building blocks of academic excellence in high schools across the country, as membership in the National Honor Society is not merely an accomplishment—it is an ongoing commitment.
     In her welcome address, faculty advisor Ms. Jessica Calvini mentioned how proud Rye Neck is of the inductees’ accomplishments and how we “look forward to the even greater accomplishments that their futures hold.” 

     After Ms. Calvini’s introduction, the four NHS student officers began the formal ceremony.  President Tyler Sergio provided background on the organization’s history and guiding principles; then Vice President Laura Chillemi introduced the members of the Junior National Honor Society for 2023-2024.  Once the names of the juniors were called, the officers began the lighting ceremony, where each officer spoke about one of the four NHS cornerstones and lit a candle to represent members’ commitment to that ideal.  Then Ms. Calvini read the names of each senior being recommended for membership, while Interim High School Principal Melinda Folchetti and Assistant Principal Mr. Jason Doerr handed out certificates. In the background, a slideshow played to highlight the student’s accomplishments. 

     Before Ms. Folchetti closed the ceremony, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Eric Lutinski expressed his gratitude towards the new NHS members for their embodiment of Rye Neck’s motto: Learn. Achieve. Lead. He encouraged students to use their leadership and scholastic skills in a career that inspires others.