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A Million Little Pieces Of My Mind

National Honor Society

By: Paul S. Cilwa Viewed: 5/4/2024
Occurred: 5/16/1969
Posted: 4/23/2024
Page Views: 203
Topics: #Autobiography #NationalHonorSociety #StJosephAcademy #StAugustine
More photos from my high school yearbook.

The National Honor Society (NHS) is a prestigious organization that recognizes outstanding high school students for their achievements in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Established in 1921, the NHS has grown to include chapters in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and many schools around the world, engaging and serving more than 1.4 million students.

I had been in the NHS in my sophomore year. From the perspective of a high school student at that time, being asked to join the NHS would have been a significant honor and a testament to one's academic and moral excellence. It was an opportunity to be part of a community that not only celebrated academic success but also encouraged active involvement in school activities and community service. For a 1969 high school student, the NHS represented the ideals of student achievement and the pursuit of excellence, providing a platform for future leadership and societal contributions. However, I don't remember having any meetings or anything; and by the time I was a junior, my physical education grades alone kept me from being on the honor role.

But that doesn't mean the Society didn't go on without me. And, as a senior, and the official schoolbook photographer, I wound up attending and photographing the one meeting a year they did have, the induction of new members.

National Honor Society Officers

Joanna Salvador, Tom Webb, Nancy McLaughlin, Jenny Horty

Nancy gave an opening welcome.

This was followed by a candlelit ceremony, after which the new members were inducted.

Jack Cowan

Tom Webb