The National English Honor Society held its inaugural induction ceremony on Wednesday evening, March 11, and welcomed 114 junior and senior students to the Bishop O'Connell Chapter. Students and their parents witnessed the presentation of the charter to the four officers (pictured left with Mrs. Cerniglia): President, Francesca Pastore; Vice President, Susan Rodriguez; Secretary, Madeleine Lucchetti; and Treasurer, Ria Duffy. Each officer then spoke about the meaning of the book and pen emblem, the motto in Old English, the official colors of royal blue and gold, and the white carnation as the authorized flower.
The keynote address from former O'Connell English teacher Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick inspired everyone to "live to read" and to become fully immersed in the wonder of literature and language. Mr. Fitzpatrick proudly commented that sixty-five of the inductees had been his former students and how he was happy to share this occasion with them.
After receiving membership certificates, the newly inducted members joined the officers in reciting the NEHS Affirmation:
As a member of the National English Honor Society, I shall endeavor to advance the study of all areas of English and to foster a spirit of fellowship among students excelling in all facets of the English Language Arts, ever keeping in mind our national motto as our guiding principle:
Gelast sceal mid are: Duty goes with Honor
Dr. Joseph Vorbach closed the ceremony by exhorting the officers to accept the mantle of leadership and prepare the next generation to continue the work that they have started.
Moderator Mrs. Diane Cerniglia, along with the entire English Department faculty, looks forward to guiding these new members of the National English Honor Society to use this honor to empower others and to accept the responsibility of sharing the best of language and literature with others. In the words of American poet, Emily Dickinson,
We never know how high we are
Til we are called to rise
And then, if we are true to plan
Our statures touch the skies.