The little theater was packed, every seat filled, with parents, family members and administrators beaming with pride. The lights were dim, with the exception of the illuminated stage. On the empty stage stood a lonely podium and a table with a set of four candles. There were 2 rows of seats left empty right before the stage at the very front, and their occupants began to file in. In respectful silence, the family members observed their exceptional students filing to the front rows and taking their seats. This would begin the ceremony honoring the achievements of these students.

On Friday, Nov. 6 around 6:30 p.m., several outstanding Milford High School juniors and seniors became members of the National Honor Society. These students were selected through a complex application process. The final step of this process is the induction ceremony that ran smoothly.

“I thought it was very traditional,” said Carissa Bredernitz one of the new members. “I was not expecting it to be that big of a deal.”

After the new members took their seats, the returning members took to the stage, to speak of the four pillars of NHS and light the candles in symbolism of these pillars. These principles that serve as the core of NHS are character, scholarship, leadership, and service.

Each student that is selected is said to portray these three characteristics. NHS students have a well rounded character, excel in academics, have a leadership role, and they are of service to others. Mr. Vosk, a Co-Sponsor of NHS, explained that students are first chosen to be eligible based on academics. After eligible students submit applications, the applications are reviewed by a panel of anonymous teachers. Generally anyone who meets all of the requirements of the application will be selected. However, it is quite a lengthy application, and this selection process takes hours.

Lexi McFall, one of the Juniors inducted, knows that being inducted was not an easy task.  “I am proud of myself because NHS looks really good for college,” she says.

Bredernitz also takes pride in her accomplishment. She states, “I’m proud of myself, I thought I wasn’t going to get in.”

At this point in the ceremony, the MHS National Honor Society advisors took the stage to introduce each new member of the group. As a student’s name was called, he or she stood by the podium as one of the advisors spoke about their achievement, and then they travelled gracefully to the other end of the stage to receive their stole. A returning member placed the stole upon each new member. Of course after this, the student had to pause for a photo op for their proud parent. Finally, the student made their way to the back of the stage and onto a set of risers. This process was repeated for each new member.

Although many students and parents and students at Milford are unaware of NHS and the inductions ceremonies, they have in fact been around for a very long time. The National Honor Society was first established in 1921, according to their website. It was first created by teachers to recognize outstanding high school students. NHS has grown tremendously since, with more than 1 million estimated members today nationwide. However, the society has retained its same purpose for the entirety of its existence. To create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character.

Although it may sound like it; becoming a member of the National Honor society is more than just an asset for a college application. In NHS students get involved in the community, in any way they choose. Students can volunteer in aspects of the community that interest them, or jobs that they may want to pursue in the future.

Therefore as Mr. Vosk says, “networking from NHS can help you to make contacts in the community and act as a springboard into your future field.”

NHS plans to use their purpose to benefit the Milford community this year. With the many driven individuals that make up the group, it is no question that they will make positive impact within Milford High School and beyond.