Tappan Zee High School’s History Honor Society inducted 22 juniors and reinducted 25 seniors during its annual, student-led ceremony on April 19!
HHS Treasurer Liyana A. opened with her observations, “Entire empires, rulers, revolutionaries, and more live inside each and every one of our histories. Not only do these histories teach us more about our lineage, but they also teach us about ourselves as people…As you continue to explore your identities, I hope you also explore your histories. They will serve as great guideposts as you find who you are and who you are meant to be.”
“I think of history as a premonition for the future…As we look at the world around us, it is all too clear that there are less than positive signs for our future,” HHS Vice President Zachary S. reflected. “Antisemitism, racism, all of these things are on the rise and it becomes all too imperative that we, as a generation, look back at the follies, missteps and successes of our ancestors.”
HHS President Alex B. challenged members and guests to consider the cost of facilitating the destruction of natural resources. “It’s important to look at not just our past, but the history that we will leave behind…But what of Earth’s future?…The answers to our problems lay in the past: we must recall the perseverance and determination that got us to where we are today while learning from our mistakes. If we protect our planet we will also protect our legacy…History has its eyes on you.”
HHS Advisor Matt Robertson echoed the officers, “The past is constantly talking to us, provided we are willing to listen.”
This year’ keynote address was delivered by U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Commissioner Mondaire Jones, who previously represented the 17th District in the U.S. Congress.
To be eligible for induction, students must participate in the National History Day Competition, complete 12 hours of community service and maintain the grade point average required by the society’s charter.
Congratulations to:
- Junior Inductees: Caleb A., Brayden A., Ethan C., Daniel C., Coryn E., Sofia F., Benjamin F., Thomas G., Shayan H., Ciara H., Andrew J., Justin J., Isabella K., Ella L., Katherine O., Ian R., Brandon S., Kobi S., Cassie W., Reilly W., Daniel Y. and Oscar Z.
- Senior Re-Inductees: Liyana A., Alexander B., Ava B., Ethan C., Lily F., Dylan H., Aaron K., Mikaela K., Nicholas L., Hunter L., Jessica L., Emma L., Ailish M., Dylan M., Lauren M., Caterina O., Michael P., Zachary S., Autumn S., Matthew T., Tyler T., Fiona T., Valentina V., Christopher V. and Robert V.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, juniors received a certificate of induction and seniors received a pin that can be worn on their gowns at graduation.