Every year, Mercy cordially invites a group of exceptional students from the junior class to its chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). This year, Mercy’s chapter of NHS welcomed over 100 new members on April 6, and installed the officers for the class of 2017.

To be invited to apply to NHS, after the first semester of junior year, students must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.4 or better. The applicants must then complete an application that includes personal essays about leadership and extracurricular experience, along with evaluations from teachers and service records. After a thorough review, the applicants are either accepted or denied.

During the induction ceremony, the candidates sign their acceptance of the pledge to uphold the values of NHS. This signed pledge is then displayed in the school throughout the year. Current members of NHS come to the ceremony each year to show support for the new members and to remember the pledge they signed not too long ago. For some members, the experience was nostalgic.

“It felt nice to see all the juniors accomplish goals that I had previously set for myself,” said senior Brianna Woodbeck. “It was amazing to see how many juniors were able to accomplish this.”

Current President of NHS senior Theresa Benton, principal Mrs. Witte, and NHS moderator Ms. Salvia addressed the assembled students, parents, and families on the importance of the values and character required to be a part of the NHS. Being a part of NHS is more than just an in-school activity. It is an honorable, life-long commitment to an organization dedicated to service, scholarship, and leadership. Publically making this commitment was a significant experience for some of the inductees.

“I feel like a changed woman,” junior Katie Coe said with a smile.

The officers for the following year were voted on by their fellow classmates, and their names were announced on the day of the ceremony. The officers for the class of 2017 are: Edith Jones, Saveri Nandigama, Hanaa Saleh, Nicole Belans, Hannah Hamilton, and Julie Lilley.