Leading by Learning to Follow

The ceremony was a meaningful and energizing event for our students, as it celebrated their achievements in the Upper School through the four pillars of the National Honor Society: Character, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service.

 

This year's inductees included:

 

Class of 2028

Zsigmond B.

Yesuel (Irene) K.

Andrew K.

 

Class of 2027

Heily B.

Annora K.

 

Class of 2026

Jiin K.

 

 

Current NHS members, Mira T., offered a warm welcome to begin the event, followed by Elaina L., who opened with a prayer. Kira E., Chaerin H., and Zsuzsi M. introduced the various sections of the ceremony, setting the tone for the National Honor Society induction.

 

 

Mr. Benedek Kiss spoke on the pillar of Leadership, offering a thoughtful perspective rooted in Biblical principles. He emphasized that true leadership often begins with learning how to follow, encouraging students to embrace both visible and behind-the-scenes roles. To those who are naturally outgoing, he offered the challenge of serving quietly when needed, while urging more reserved students to step out of their comfort zones and lead with confidence when the opportunity arises. His message was a meaningful reminder that leadership takes many forms and is accessible to everyone.

 

 

Each of the four pillars of the NHS was presented with care and insight: Svetlana W. spoke on Scholarship, Susanna M. reflected on Character, Nash C. highlighted Leadership, and Ethan R. shared thoughts on Service. They symbolically lit candles to represent how each quality shines brightly in the NHS community, challenging the newly inducted members to carry these virtues forward, individually and as a group. At the heart of the display, a fifth candle was lit—a representation of the light of knowledge that NHS members are tasked with passing on to others within the ICSB community and beyond. This ceremony beautifully underscored the responsibility these students now share in keeping these values alive and robust.

 

 

Following these reflections on the meaning behind each pillar, Noah M. led the audience in the pledge. The inductees gave their pledges, stating:

I pledge to uphold the high purpose of the National Honor Society to which I have been selected; I will be true to the principles for which it stands; I will be loyal to my school, and will maintain and encourage high standards of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

 

 

 After the pledge, Cade N. presented the certificate to the inductees, making our current school membership 21 students total. Mrs. Rebecca Lingenhoel gave closing remarks before Brando U. closed out the evening with a prayer.

 

 

 

Following his prayer, the ceremony ended, but the sweet celebration continued with a delicious dessert reception.