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The National English Honor Society held its second annual induction ceremony on Wednesday evening, Feb. 17, and welcomed 61 new junior and senior members to the Bishop O'Connell chapter. Each officer 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 French and English teacher, Mr. Kevin Sullivan, reminded students that now that they know the "how" of writing, they must next turn to the "what" of writing. Mr. Sullivan exhorted the audience to read, but more importantly to "wonder." He concluded his talk by telling students, "You owe yourselves a life that is full of meaning and therefore totally worth living."
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
The ceremony concluded with Assistant Head of School, Mr. Carl Patton, congratulating the new members and moderator Mrs. Diane Cerniglia reciting the following poem from 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.
Photo - NEHS officers (l to r): Maureen Duesterhaus (President), Alexandra Rodriguez (VP), Mrs. Cerniglia, Clare Kinsella (Treasurer), Stephanie Salinas (Secretary)