Martinsville High School welcomed fourteen new members into the National Honor Society (NHS) during an induction ceremony on Wednesday, March 26.
“Membership in the National Honor Society has become recognized nationally as one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a high school student,” said MHS teacher John Allen as he opened the ceremony.
To qualify for induction to the NHS, juniors and seniors must demonstrate excellence in four pillars: scholarship, leadership, character, and service. During the ceremony, student inductees spoke about each of these principals.
Scholarship
Elvin Amaya Turcios emphasized the power of learning, stating, “Learning furnishes the lamp by which we read the past, the torch guiding us to understand the present, and the light that illuminates the future.” He charged the inductees to “continually expand their world through the opportunities inherent in scholarship.”
Service
Jemea Craghead highlighted the impact of service, explaining, “A willingness to work for the benefit of those in need, without monetary compensation or public recognition, is the quality we seek in our membership and promote for the entire student body,” she said. “We are committed to volunteering our time and talents for the creation of a better tomorrow.”
Leadership
Rilynne Williams spoke about the responsibilities of leadership, stating, “Leadership should exert a wholesome influence on the school. In taking initiative in the classroom and in school activities, the real leader strives to train and aid others to reach their common goals of success.”
“The price of leadership,” she said, “is sacrifice—the willingness to yield one’s personal interests for the interests of others … Leadership is always needed; thus, to lead is a meaningful and substantive charge to each of our members.”
Character
Kamori Dillard spoke on the importance of character. “Character is achieved and not received,” she explained. “It is the product of constant thought and action, the daily striving to make the right choice … By demonstrating such qualities as respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship, we may hope to prove by example that we value character.”
MHS principal Dr. Aji Dixon thanked the families of the inductees for their support. “Behind every student here, you have someone who has talked to them about the importance of education. These young people are dedicated to learning and to listening. Thank you for the hard work you’ve put in.”
He then addressed the inductees: “You all have set yourselves apart. Continue to strive for excellence and continue to know you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it.”
Superintendent Dr. Zebedee Talley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of academic achievement. “I want you to understand this is a tremendous accomplishment. Things like this are more important than state championships. You’ve proven that you’re among the best when it comes to something people cannot take from you, and that’s your brain power. I thank you for being among our very best.”
The 2024-2025 inductees to the Martinsville High School Chapter of the National Honor Society are:
Elvin Amaya Turcios
Aubrey Blankenbaker
NaDasia Cobbs
Jemea Craghead
Gabriel Davis
Kamori Dillard
Zaniah Dillard
Abigail Hernandez
Aerran Kellam
Ashley Lintag
NaBria Millner
Jun Olea
Rilynne Williams
Kaira Womack