The new 2015 NEHS inductees are:
Lizette Hernandez, Claire Glennon, Quinn Dobson, Noah Hutchison, Carlee Pobieglo, Isabella Brenner, Brandon Warren, Tayla Smith, McKenna Barkman, Nolan Kurtz, Grace Dohrmann, Peter Celmer, Haylee Woods, Matalin Hansen, Natalie Brzezniak, Ella Petersen, Shayla Swaino, Logan Feld, Elias Harrington, Tatum Peterson, Tye Ropati, Cody Hall, Danielle Smolka, Sean Cahill and Savannah Starks.
Active participation has made the National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) program a fine success.
At the Red Mountain Ranch Elementary School (RMRES) induction ceremony, 25 distinguished students joined rank as proud parents applauded their pledge. A camera crew, from the Mesa Unified School District’s ED TV, documented the festivities amidst some 120 guests.
Now in its sixth year, the Red Mountain NEHS program has achieved exemplary results in academics and character formation. Students have embraced the learning opportunity of four values—scholarship, responsibility, leadership and service.
“Our students generate their own ideas about community service,” said Mr. Patrick Carroll. “In the fall, they wrote and decorated well-wish cards for patients at Banner Heart Hospital.” Gifted and Talented Program Instructor Mr. Carroll co-chaired the NEHS program with sixth grade teacher Ms. Tina Kempf.
Last year, the biggest NEHS-supported initiative was the Make a Difference Through a Grocery Bag annual food drive for Kerr Elementary School. More than 200 bags of groceries were collected during a two-week period.
NEHS also has strengthened the cohesion and identity at RMRES. Honor students volunteered to tutor younger students in the Kids Corner afterschool program in math or reading. This created connectivity across age levels.
“Our student committee prepared the whole NEHS ceremony,” Mr. Carroll said. “It was fantastic to see all the students participate in the pledge, and each of the executive members read a part of the four values.”
Every NEHS inductee received a pin and membership card. Proudly walking across the stage, the students were welcomed into the NEHS community. New service projects, such as the Animals in Need Supply Drive, are being planned.
In her address, Principal Dr. Joyce Cook praised the accomplishments of the NEHS team efforts. “It is amazing what a difference an individual can make at the spark of an idea if the whole group pulls together for the project,” she said.
Mr. Carroll also commended the program. “The NEHS program is a wonderful learning opportunity for the students,” he stated. “It is great for the community, and it serves a magnificent purpose for our school.”