El Pirata NHS Chapter Inducts New Members

By VERNON ROBISON

Moapa Valley Progress

MVHS student Sara Goodrich is one of 24 students who were inducted into the National Honor Society El Pirata chapter at a special ceremony held last week.

The National Honor Society El Pirata chapter held its annual induction ceremony on Tuesday, Mar. 21 at the Moapa Valley High School. A total of 24 students were inducted as members of the society which requires high academic achievement from its members in addition to a willingness to do service in the community.

“Membership in the National Honor Society is both an honor and a responsibility,” said NHS advisor Greg Thompson in a welcome speech to the new inductees. “There are a lot of chances to do service and plenty of opportunities for leadership.”

To be considered for membership, each applicant must have at least a 3.0 GPA. In addition, each one was required to submit letters of recommendation from adult leaders as well as a personal essay as part of his/her application.

Thompson said that he was impressed with the high caliber of applicants among this year’s inductees.
“I enjoyed reading each of your essays and getting to learn more about you on a personal level,” he said. “It was interesting to have you share your challenges and how you have faced them.”

The 24 inductees were all asked to stand and take a pledge to uphold the purposes and values of the society. This pledge was administered by El Pirata chapter president Chase Sawyer.
A candle ceremony, performed by local NHS officers, then explained the society’s four values including Scholarship, Service, Character and Leadership.

In addition to the formal community service being required by the society, Thompson charged students to be involved in more informal service opportunities that might arise all around them.
“Because of your positions and involvement at school, you have people who look up to you,” Thompson said. “Some of these people might not be quite as involved in things, not as noticed in the school. Many of them might feel left behind and lonely. My challenge to you is to look out for those people who need a little welcome.”

Each student was called forward and presented with a certificate of membership into the El Pirata Chapter of the NHS.