Apr. 28, 2022 -- The Heights High School chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) inducted 63 students on April 21, 2022. Many individuals, including Superintendent Kirby, families, counselors, and teachers, gathered to celebrate the 63 inductees' achievements. They were delighted to hear from the first elected Mayor of Cleveland Heights, Mayor Kahlil Seren, who was the keynote speaker for the ceremony.
To begin the celebration, new inductees and their families gathered for a small reception. During the reception, Nicole-Dime String Duet, led by Heights High senior Nathalie Nicol and freshmen Amelie Nicole, played a number of beautiful selections.
The ceremony began with NHS advisor, Nicole Zubik, who gave the welcome and share the importance of celebrating students who overcame barriers and obstacles to achieve academic success and become outstanding role models for all of their peers. Four current, senior NHS officers then took the stage to share their unique perspectives and definitions of each pillar: scholarship, service, character, and leadership. Cassandra Sisson spoke on the leadership pillar stating, "You will help to promote excellence at Cleveland Heights High School." Patricia Chen focused on the character pillar saying, "It is a test of strength and dedication, it is striving to make the right choices every day." Maria Fehn said, "To provide for someone when they are unable to provide for themselves illustrates selflessness, humility, and true kindness,” while reflecting on the service pillar. Lastly, Michaela Schomisch shared her understanding of the scholarship pillar and said, "It’s a great opportunity for the school and community to celebrate the choices and sometimes sacrifices that you have made."
These speeches were to encourage the further stamp the four pillars that have allowed them to persevere and become outstanding students. Additionally, this served as a passing of the torch as the 63 inductees take the positions of school leaders for their peers.
To formally induct the students and demonstrate their acceptance into the chapter, senior James Huff led in the recitation of the NHS Pledge: I pledge myself to uphold the high purposes 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.
The evening culminated with a keynote address from Mayor Khalil Seren. Mayor Seren was sworn in as the first elected Mayor of Cleveland Heights on January 1, 2022. He stressed the significance of students dedicating their lives to service. Mayor Seren said, “The personal convictions and values that you are developing here will be your compass as you face challenges beyond the walls of this building.” He went on to say, “You have a part to play. Find a way to make public service a part of your life. Use the gifts that you are developing now to make our world a better place.” His closing words were, “We are here tonight because you've already demonstrated the character necessary to be successful as a leader and to be of service. Prepare for the differences you want to see 10 years from now.”
The National Honor Society chapter at Cleveland Heights High School invited all sophomores and juniors with a 3.5 GPA or above to apply for membership, having demonstrated achievement in the area of scholarship, service, leadership, or character. The application process included documenting service experience within the school and community, as well as expressing strengths, future plans, and character traits in a personal essay. Membership requires attendance at meetings, participation in fundraising events, and planning and implementing service projects.