Imagine being admitted into a society where less than 10 percent of the collective student body are members. While this may seem daunting, this year, 18 students successfully faced those odds. On April 28, the National Honor Society Board (NHS) held its induction ceremony, an annual tradition at NDB that celebrates student achievement. Parents, as well as Head of School Meridith Essalat ‘98, were in attendance, and the event began at 6 p.m.
NHS is an exclusive organization, and the NDB chapter has exceptionally high standards for admission. Each candidate is evaluated on the totality of who they are by an anonymous selection committee of NDB staffulty, based on four components: character, leadership, scholarship and service, both on and off campus.
NHS Board Moderator Jonathan Tomczak explains the rationale for holding a ceremony for inductees.
“We want to emphasize the significance of this achievement. Our chapter of NHS, specifically here at Notre Dame, really takes that to heart. So, that’s really the goal — to celebrate these students for who they are,” said Tomczak.
To further accomplish this goal, he delivered speeches about each inductee, highlighting their accomplishments and character. For those who had siblings, he even incorporated a quote from them, describing how proud they were. After the speeches, students received their official plaque and pin, and after taking the official oath, they were inducted as members of NHS.
Inductee and junior Brooke True shared her thoughts on the event’s atmosphere.
“My favorite part about the ceremony was listening to Mr. Tomczak’s speeches before he introduced each inductee, because I got to learn new things about my classmates that I had no idea they had done,” shared True.
During the ceremony, members of the NHS Board also had the opportunity to speak and define the four qualities, lighting a candle for each attribute.
NHS Board member and junior Maddie Eckert, one of the three student speakers, emphasized the vital role that collaboration played in organizing the ceremony.
“Without a team, none of it would be able to happen because there’s so many different parts of it: Between speaking, setting it up, taking it apart, leaving, and then also, just beyond the NHS Board, how the committee has to review the applications,” shared Eckert.
For those looking to gain admission, Tomczak explained what the committee usually looks for.
“They want to see a well-rounded applicant, an applicant that is not just dedicated to one thing, one place, but maybe brings the love of that activity or whatever outside the halls of Notre Dame.”
Through thoughtful speeches and a spirit of collaboration, the event served as a meaningful celebration of students who exemplify what it means to represent the best of NDB.
