Ceremony inducts 16 to National Honor Society

Membership in the NRHEG chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) grew by 16 the afternoon of Nov. 5 during a ceremony held near the end of the school day at the NRHEG Secondary school building in New Richland. 

 

High school seniors inducted are Olivia Johnson, Gabrielle Schlaak and Owen Wayne. Juniors are Ariel-Star Anhalt, Jack Bartlett, Finnegan Baumann, Izley Boerner, Clara Buendorf, Brooks Gilliland, Caralee Koopal, John Lynne, Dominic Olson, Kylie Olson, Faith Phillips, Madeline Schaak and Sophia Williams.

 

Inductees were welcomed by members of the senior class who had been inducted in 2024: Jordan Brouwers, Meela Budach, Kaitlyn Dobberstein, Kyera Eustice, Molly Johnson,  Jozie Klimmek, Wyatt Larson, Devon Nelton, Chloe Riewer, Addy Stadheim and Chloe Stork.

 

Speaker for the ceremony was Onika Peterson, high school health and phy ed teacher and coach. Peterson highlighted the four “pillars” of the NHS, providing a personal definition for each.

 

Among her observations, she shared, “Scholarship reflects your commitment to learning and academic excellence. It’s more than grades; it’s a mindset, a curiosity to understand the world, to ask questions, and to keep learning long after the bell rings. 

 

“Service is about giving of yourself for the benefit of others. It’s lending a hand not because you have to, but because you want to. It’s about making your school and community better without expecting anything in return.

 

“Leadership goes beyond titles or positions. It’s about influence, how you encourage others, how you show up when it’s difficult, and how you set an example for those around you.

 

“Character is the foundation of it all. It’s who you are when no one is watching, your honesty, your kindness, your respect for others, and your ability to do the right thing, even when it’s hard.

 

“While all four pillars are essential, I believe leadership ties them all together. True leadership reflects scholarship, service, and character, it’s learning with purpose, serving with heart, and acting with integrity.”

 

Peterson went on to say being a member of the National Honor Society is a lifetime commitment. “Your leadership within the walls of NRHEG is vital to the success of our school. The way you treat others, the example you set, and the effort you put into your studies, activities, and commitments, these are what make the greatest impact. 

 

“As you move forward, remember that leadership doesn’t stop when you leave NRHEG. The habits you build here– the discipline, compassion, and integrity, will carry you into college, careers, and life. Use your influence to make things better, wherever you go.”