The National Honor Society Induction is a prestigious event that occurs shortly before the school year ends. The purpose of the induction is to fully accept the new National Honor Society members into the group. However cultish the induction may seem, the candles do not seal the new member’s fates. Family and friends are invited to come to the ceremony and watch as the new members get inducted and open a new chapter of their lives. However, there is much more that goes into the Induction than may meet the eye.

The Induction is planned and carried out by the second-year members of NHS. The NHS sponsor, Mr. Scheideman, offers minimal help throughout the ceremony so that it is run by the students, for the students. The Induction itself is a spectacle. With robes, candles, pledges, and speeches, the process of joining NHS will then be complete. However, the NHS executives take on the major role of delegating tasks so that the Induction is the spectacle that we get to observe. After the Induction is a small procession with snacks and refreshments so that the new members can be honored and welcomed by their friends and family. Although, NHS goes beyond the Induction ceremony.

As most people know, NHS is a prestigious and selective organization. Only the best of the best are accepted. Mr. Scheideman, the NHS adviser said, “Because of the prestige of those who get into NHS, usually they are the top 5 or 10 present of the school.” The process of applying to NHS is no small task. Applicants must fill out information that ranges from what the applying member’s accomplishments are, to the color of their first stuffed animal. After the information sheets are submitted, Mr. Scheideman assembles teacher evaluations and presents them to a committee. The committee makes their recommendations, which are then presented to Mr. Wilson. After being accepted into NHS, the new members will meet with Mr. Scheideman and will be informed of their future duties and responsibilities. 

NHS presents its members with many advantages. The NHS president, Arianna Hemken said, “It looks good on scholarships, you get to learn leadership abilities, and you learn how to be a leader within the club. It also puts you on a pedestal so more is expected of you and it raises you to a higher standard as a student.” On the other hand, NHS also comes with many responsibilities. NHS members have certain responsibilities and expectations placed on them that most other students do not have. If an NHS member is caught violating any of these rules, they will face harsh consequences. However, the hope of NHS is not to weigh its members down with responsibilities. The purpose is to embrace and acknowledge the four pillars of students.