Encased in a festive atmosphere, 18 new members were inducted to the National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) at Red Mountain Ranch Elementary School (RMRE).
The inductees pledged to follow the four guiding lights of academic excellence, outstanding responsibility, productive leadership, and exemplary service to the community.
Before accomplishing the NEHS rank, these students had to deliver on the values. “We had a food drive for another elementary school,” NEHS President Rhiannon Dyer pointed out. As an officer, she also was in charge of organizing regular meetings and scouting out new activities.
“Our members collect credit hours for helping out teachers or persons in the community anywhere,” Secretary Karli Samprone said. “Last year, we had an assembly presented by Liberty Wildlife after a drive for supplies for them. We learned a lot about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.”
Regardless of enthusiasm for their projects, students must keep A and B grades for continued NEHS membership.
“We also have taken a talent show over to the Legacy Retirement Residence,” Vice-President Grace Cooklin said. “And for the food drive for our sister school, Kerr Elementary, we sent out lots of fliers, and held a grade-level competition to see who could fill up the most shopping carts.”
After reciting their pledge, the inductees marched proudly across the stage to receive their certificates from teachers Debbie Jacobs and Patrick Carroll. Principal Dr. Joyce Cook congratulated each student.
“It is a great joy for me to see so many things these young people do for others,” Dr. Cook praised. “They have such great potential for change.” She thanked Ms. Jacobs and Mr. Carroll for “… giving their kindness to NEHS students of promise.”
Dr. Cook then asked the newly titled honor students to turn around and thank their parents, who had always supported them in their ambitions. Finally, the principal encouraged the students to see the meaning of gratitude in a new light.
“Be thankful for new challenges,” Dr. Cook said. “They build character and confidence. Be thankful that you don’t know everything. It’s an opportunity to learn. And be thankful for being tired,” she continued, “because you made a difference in somebody’s life.”
The 2013-2014 NEHS inductees are (fifth grade): Kendal Baker, Mikayla Borrowdale, Reid Copeland, Saira Cordero-Chavez, Brook Crosby, Marcor Hansen, Caleb Konecek, Ryan McGraw, Carsen Palmer, Madelynn Richfort, Valerie Rodriguez and Sullivan Stringer; (sixth grade) Alexandra Aguilar, Wyatt Crosby, Morgan Mollenkopf and Kaitlyn Navarrette.