Elaine Loft, Staff Writer
The Derryfield School welcomed 39 students into the National Honor Society in a ceremony attended by the student body of the Upper School, faculty, staff, and parents of the inductees. Head of School Andy Chappell opened the presentation.
“Induction into the National Honor Society not only recognizes students for the accomplishments they have achieved thus far, but it also challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service. Being recognized this afternoon is an affirmation that one’s actions and accomplishments reflect a sustained commitment to oneself and to others.
The National Honor Society values scholarship, leadership, service, and character, which aligns with the aims of our founders in the Derryfield Statement of Philosophy, which says, “recognizing that academic achievement without compassion and concern for others is meaningless, we are committed to purposeful involvement in the world outside our school in both the local and the global community.”
Next, National Honor Society Advisor Judy Reynolds described the four pillars of the NHS, and their relationship to Derryfield.
“National Honor Society inductees meet criteria based on scholarship, leadership, service, and character. After qualifying academically, students are invited to complete a National Honor Society application, which asks students to reflect on the leadership experiences and qualities that most aptly describe their character and values. Applicants are also required to outline their minimum 35 hours of community service throughout their time in the Upper School, and to request a character reference letter on their behalf.
The students being honored this afternoon are deserving of our admiration and reflect each of the following qualities:
Scholarship: Scholarship means a commitment to learning which includes diligent formal study as well as intellectual engagement beyond the walls of a classroom. A scholar continues to seek knowledge throughout their life and recognizes that knowledge is a gift. Candidates have the charge to continually expand their world through the opportunities inherent in scholarship.
Leadership: Derryfield defines leadership as an “intentional and sustained engagement for the common good.” In taking the initiative in class and school activities, a Derryfield leader strives to support others in order to benefit the community at large. In addition, they seek to lift up others in a compassionate and caring manner and to sacrifice their own personal gain.
Service: In the routine of the day’s work, many opportunities arise to help others. We seek members who show a willingness to work for the benefit of those in need without a focus on their own personal compensation or recognition. We value the idea of volunteering one’s time and abilities in order to build a better tomorrow. Each of our inductees have logged at least 35 hours of community service during their time in the Upper School.”
Character: One’s character is defined by the unique qualities that distinguish them from others. This force of character serves as one’s moral compass and garners respect from within and from others. Character is the product of thoughtful action and of striving daily to make the right choice. By demonstrating such qualities as respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship, we demonstrate that we value character.
Head of Upper School, Reina Stimpson, then welcomed each of the new inductees to the stage to receive their certificates.
NHS Inductees
Dina Adhikari, Almedina Ahmetovic, Ayobami Alabi, Audrey Barger, Lauren Best, Connor Bradley, John Brown, Isabella Devine, Sameh Fazelat, Tyl-Elle Fulton, Madelanne Garceau, Camille Garcia, Liesel Gregor, Tate Gregor, Mitchell Grunbeck, Marshall Hartshorn, Jahja Ibrakovic, Connor Keenan, Newton Kershaw, Sofia Koshy, Audrey Labbe, Ella LaFlamme, Aidan Lamothe, Chloe Larson, Milo Linn-Boggs, Isabella Mailloux, Christina Nguyen, Jacob Oliviero, Teagan Peabody, Felix Read, Sawyer Robbins, Myles Rozen, Juan Sandoval, Helen Saunders, Eli Schein, Abigail Steward, Margaux Szal, Mouad Yzzogh.
