The social studies department held its annual Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honors Society Induction ceremony earlier this week. More than 400 students, family members and guests attended the ceremony and the reception that followed. Dean of Academics, Sister Catherine Hill IHM, delivered a keynote address and Head of School, Dr. Joseph E. Vorbach, left the students with some closing remarks.
“It was a great ceremony,” remarked India Seldin, junior representative to Rho Kappa. “Sister Catherine’s speech was great. She asked how we would make the group better by our membership. It really made me think.”
The ceremony, run by a student executive board, lasted just under 45 minutes. The highlight came when Secretary Claire Saunders ’15 and Treasurer Marty Knauf ’15 took a moment to reflect on the significance and contributions of the social studies in the development of the individual by talking about the four main tenets of Rho Kappa: Veritas, Scientia, sapienta, and officium (truth, knowledge, wisdom, and service). While they spoke, President Anna Flach ’15 and Vice President Sarah Davis ’15 lit candles representing each virtue.
To be eligible for Rho Kappa, students must have successfully completed four semesters of social studies at O'Connell, maintain a 3.5 GPA or better in social studies and overall, and have satisfied their Christian Service requirements.
This is the second year for Rho Kappa at Bishop O'Connell, and 126 senior and junior were inducted. Congratulations!
Pictured above: Senior Kathryn Gliot is congratulated by Dr. Vorbach as Sister Catherine looks on.
Pictured below (l to r): Rho Kappa executive board, Marty Knauf (treasurer), Claire Saunders (secretary), Anna Flach (president), India Seldin (junior representative), Sarah Davis (vice president), and Mr. Greg Haas (social studies department chair).
