Baxter NHS inducts newest members

Ten high school students were welcomed into the Alpha-Beta-Chi National Honor Society at Baxter High School. The entire student body along with friends and family of the inductees were on hand for the induction ceremony April 17.

“Membership into the National Honor Society is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a high school student,” Baxter counselor Travis Dee said. “The students (selected) have demonstrated the four necessary qualities of character, scholarship, leadership and service.”

The student selected for NHS include Olivia Aker, daughter of Jason and Renee Aker, Christian Brandt, son of Mike and Julie Brandt, Kailee Conradi, daughter of Martin and Teresa Conradi, McKenzie Eslinger, daughter of Dale and Renee Eslinger, Janette Gowdy, daughter of Kevin and Laurie Gowdy, Morgan Kielly, daughter of Marty and Liz Kielly, Kael Johnston, son of Steve and Joni Johnston, Sophie Meyer, daughter of Troy and Debbie Meyer, Madison Pierce, daughter of Steve and Amanda Pierce and Misty and Jarrod Fontanini and Hallee Rainsbarger, daughter of Charlie and Susan Rainsbarger.

The new inductees heard an inspiring word from the guest speaker, Betty Peterson, who looked to Dr. Seuss to help convey her message to the students.

“One of the criteria of National Honor Society is scholarship, or learning. On the importance of learning, Dr. Seuss had this to say, ‘Sometimes the questions are complicated but the answers are easy.’ In other words, don’t try to make anything more complicated than you really need to,” Peterson said. “Being a dynamic leader is very important. Leadership is about making good choices that lead to good outcomes. What does Dr. Seuss have to say about leadership? ‘Why fit in when you were born to stand out.’”

The new members recited the NHS Pledge, which included the students working to “maintain their scholastic standing,” “endeavor intelligently and courageously to be a leader,” and “to give of themselves freely in service to others.” Inductees were then asked to take part in the candle lighting ceremony where each student received a candle which was lit by current members of the society.

“As each of you were called to the front this afternoon, the qualities you mentioned in your application as being important to you were read. I challenge each of you to continue to build on those qualities,” Dee said. “As you today have been given a light, so may you give this light others.”

A reception was held following the ceremony for the new NHS members along with their friends and family.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com