Tappan Zee High School’s National Honor Society chapter welcomed 56 new members at its induction ceremony last night and presented pins to 76 seniors.
“I am very excited to finally have our full membership and their families at our induction. It’s wonderful that we are able to celebrate together and recognize all of our students for their accomplishments,” noted Science teacher Nicole Lai, who co-advises NHS with Science teacher Nicole Farish.
The ceremony was hosted by NHS President Matthew T. and fellow officers Cate D., Roger N., Liyana A. and Dylan H., who spoke briefly about the four pillars–leadership, scholarship, character and service–and announced the following special awards:
Social Studies teacher Christine Drivas and World Languages teacher Kristy Walsh received the Special Teacher Awards in recognition of the “profound difference they have made in the lives and education of” current NHS members. Members describe Drivas and Walsh as “kind,” “makes sure to help those who struggle,” “pushed me to my fullest potential,” “trusted” and “an advocate for her students.”
Reilly J., Ailish M. and Catie O. were the recipients of the Senior Awards for Outstanding Leadership and were honored for considering “others’ perspectives and leading with grade.”
Outstanding Citizenship Senior Award winners Michaela D., Jack H. and Zachary S. were celebrated for their selflessness, kindness, honesty and efforts to improve the lives of others both within and outside of school.
Megan C. and Vivian C. received the Senior Awards for Outstanding Service for their dedicated and purposeful volunteerism, which exceeded NHS requirements.
Principal Rudy Arietta noted that he felt a special connection with seniors, as they were the incoming ninth grade class the year he began as TZHS principal. “We often look at recognition as an end—another addition to a long list of accomplishments. I challenge you to avoid focusing on the end result and rather how the journey has impacted you and those around you. That process is the essence of what got you here tonight and what will help you be successful in the future…Never rest on the quest to be your best self,” he said.
Congratulations to the new inductees: Caleb A., Brayden A., Logan A., Marisa B., Rebecca B., Dylan C., Cassidy C., Daniel C., Alex C., Ryan C., Carol D., Jordan E., Coryn E., Jenna F., Sofia F., Benjamin F., Hela G., Shayan H., Ciara H., Sophia H., Andrew J., Justin J., Isabella K., Kierra K., Isabelle L., Ella L., Juliana L., Phillip M., Jack M., Jonathan M., Julia M., Jameson M., Lauren M., Keira M., Kate M., Kevin N., Megan O., Kylee O., Jamie P., Olivia P., Julia P., Jake P., Ian R., Isabella R., Vivian R., Ryan S., Ella S., Brandon S., Kobi S., Brian S., Veronica T., Cassie W., Reilly W. and Daniel Y.