Fall sees 18 students inducted into National Honor Society

By Samuel Hall
REPORTER

Grace Prep inducted 18 students; sophomores through seniors, into the National Honor Society on November 8, 2016.
NHS membership is one of the most prestigious high school accolades in the country, and Grace Prep’s chapter strives to uphold its values.
Grace Prep’s NHS chapter has partnered with Duff Elementary this year, to help serve them.
“Earlier this fall, we worked with Duff on their Fall Carnival,” said NHS Sponsor Kurt Wetterling. “It was a great opportunity for us to be seen in the community and serve where needed. In the early spring we will be helping with their Reading Under the Stars program. This promises to be a fun evening where our chapter members will bring blankets [to sit outside on] and actually read with elementary kids. NHS will be able to impact the lives of these kids.”
Key note speaker, GPA Parent Derrick Kinney spoke words of wisdom at the induction about how to be successful. He explained to the newcomers that success requires “knowing the rules of the game, seizing every opportunity, and being a difference maker.”
The organization was formed in 1921 to reward and challenge exceptional students in high schools across the country.
Entering the NHS is no easy feat. A student must have a 94 or above grade point average, and they must be recommended for their character and leadership skills by multiple adults. In addition to this, they must continue to display the values stated in the NHS pledge throughout their entire high school career.
Parents also partner with these students to ensure that they support their children in this new endeavor.
Being a part of this organization can help a student receive scholarships, build character, and be accepted into an esteemed college.
The Sophomores who were inducted this year were Emily Brudi, Molly Davis, Jessica Friberg, Samuel Hall, Joshua Holm, Carson Pinon, Kay Lee Sedwick, Maci Stewart, Matthew Walraven, and Emily Watson.
The Juniors were Rebecca McClean, Evelyn Morgan, John Bearrie, Brock Potenzo, Collin Steffens, and Chandler Wilberding. The Seniors were Bailey Backus and Matthew Chapman.
The school held the banquet ceremony in the Grace Prep Auditorium. Current NHS members served the inductees and their families.
History teacher and NHS Sponsor Kurt Wetterling headed up the event. He shared funny stories and was the first to welcome each new member.
“We have a group of top-notch students that I would stack against any school of any size, anywhere in the country,” said Wetterling. “it was special to see each of these new members be recognized for the incredible effort they put into maintaining the academic requirements on top of athletics, extra curricular activities, family, church, and life. Each one makes me proud as a teacher.”
Student Officers spoke about the four pillars of the NHS, including Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and character.
Then every inductee was called up one by one to enter into their new position as official members of the NHS. The young scholars received a candle, a pin, and a certificate. Then they lined up and took photos to commemorate the incredible moment.
The group shared many laughs, took hilarious group photos and students connected through their shared achievement.