YODER – Southeast High School inducted five new members to their chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) Monday evening.

The ceremony kicked off with a processional of current members and inductees, as they strode down an aisle of chairs filled with family members. 

The welcome address was given by advisors Lonna Schmick and Darcia Boche. Schmick explained NHS is a prestigious high school honor society who recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Boche explained this is the second year of NHS membership for Southeast, attaining official membership in October 2023.  

The welcome address mentioned the various activities which NHS members participate in throughout the year. NHS members serve as role models for other students in addition to the strong academic records which establish the eligibility for the membership. Chapter members are leaders in other organizations, serve their school and community through tutoring, helping teachers, running concessions, helping at wrestling tournaments, animal shelters, hosting elementary enrichment activities and socializing with residents of the Goshen Care Center. 

NHS President William Knowlton started the ceremony by lighting the Candle of Knowledge and explained how it represents the Four Pillars of NHS.

Vice president Brooklyn Leithead then came forward and lit the candle representing the Scholarship Pillar. She spoke about the pillar and how it represents a dedicated commitment to lifelong learning.

Secretary Taylor Tregemba came forward and lit the candle representing the Pillar of Service. She spoke about service and how it represents the choice of stepping outside oneself to meet the needs of others, fueled by an unwavering passion for a cause and heartfelt empathy for others.

Treasurer Keana Llewellyn lit the Leadership candle, explaining how the Pillar of Leadership is about inspiring peers through actions, nurturing a collaborative environment, and championing positive change.

Finally, Knowlton came forward to light the final candle representing the Pillar of Character. He spoke about how this pillar represents perseverance, respect, integrity, and honesty. 

Knowlton then called forward the five new inductees to light their candles. 

One by one, sophomores Elizabeth Boche, Brylie Booth, Haylee Ekwall, Bailey Mehling and Lyla Wernsman rose and lit their candles. After each new member had lit their candle, the members- both new and existing raised their right hands and recited the NHS Pledge. 

The new members then extinguished their candles and received pins and certificates of membership from the executive team. 

Tregemba and Llewellyn, along with NHS advisors Schmick and Boche presented the seniors with cords and white satin stoles to wear proudly during their graduation ceremony. 

Seniors whocame forward to receive their regalia included Drew Boche, Ayden Desmond, Jami Garson, Anna Hartman, William Knowlton and Brookly Leithead. 

Members of the junior class in attendance at the ceremony were Bo Baumgartner, Mateo Correa, Molly Hasbargen, Kaycee Kosmicki, Hadley Leithead, Chase Sauer, Taylor Tregemba and Keana Llewellyn. 

Southeast Principal Tim Williams gave the closing remarks on the evening, prefacing it by saying he’s not a huge fan of former college football coach Nick Saban but, he is a fan of his message to young people. Willimas encouraged members to remember they are the authors of the chapters of their lives, highlighting the fact it is each individual’s responsibility to shape their own narrative through their choices and actions. He ended the evening by expressing how proud he was of each individual present, wished good luck to the seniors and encouraged the remaining members to continue working to be leaders in their school and community. 

After the recessional led students out of the cafeteria, they quickly returned for more photos, cookies and enjoyed conversations with parents and friends