By Maysen Marolda
Staff Writer
The National Honor Society induction ceremony occurred on Dec. 3 and honored approximately 100 outstanding Costa students.
The National Honor Society, an organization at Costa since 2006, is a national organization that recognizes exceptional high school students who have demonstrated excellence in grade point average, leadership, character and community service.
“It’s exciting to be part of a group on campus that works to better the school by giving back as well as recognizing the student’s for their achievements,” NHS inductee senior Reid Bryan said.
At the induction ceremony, NHS inductees received their certificates, took the NHS oath and signed their names into the registry book. Shabhayu Bhattacharyay, NHS president, introduced everyone which was followed by speeches from NHS advisor Mrs. Cabrera, Manhattan Beach Unified School District superintendent Dr. Mike Matthews and NHS board members on the traits of NHS members.
“It was a privilege to be honored at the induction ceremony because I feel very lucky to get the chance to be a part of this group,” Bryan said. “Everyone worked really hard in academics and service to get here.”
The ceremony welcomed the new members and provided refreshments for them, their families and MBUSD board members. The majority of the new members consisted of juniors with a few seniors.
“The induction ceremony went really well,” NHS Treasurer senior Danielle Major said. “The parents seemed very pleased with the ceremony and proud of their children.”
To be eligible to become a member of NHS, the candidate must be a junior or senior at the time of their induction, must have been in attendance for a period of one semester at Costa and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.6. Once they met the requirements, NHS candidates are considered based on their service, leadership and character.
“Being in NHS is an honor because it is an acknowledgement of student’s past recognitions and achievements, and also an understood pledge of continued excellence in academics and in service,” NHS Vice President junior Tooba Wasi said.
NHS members will take part in several community service projects throughout the year, such as school clubs. Projects range from taking part in community service clubs, volunteer work, school-sponsored tutoring or school service projects and events.
“NHS allows me to participate in community service opportunities, such as working with ‘Together we Tutor club’ at Eucalyptus Elementary School in Hawthorne, which has been very rewarding,” Bryan said.
According to Cabrera, NHS will continue to be a tradition for students at Mira Costa for years to come because it was started by Ms. Jennings, passed down to English teacher Ms. Wachell and now Mrs. Cabrera. As stated by Cabrera, NHS is unique as it highlights student’s academic accomplishments, as well as character, service and leadership.
“This year, I am most looking forward to getting more involved in the community from a personal standpoint,” Cabrera said. “I plan to get more involved with more service organizations in the community.”
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