With their mantels in place, this year’s National Honor Society inductees gathered in the high school auditorium for their official induction into the Northwestern Lehigh chapter.

NHS President Isabel Dietrich officiated.

In her opening remarks, she reiterated some of the key attributes of those individuals willing to accept the honor society mandates, stressing the importance of “high scholastic standing and untarnished character.”

Then she issued an injunction, urging the inductees to “endeavor intelligently and courageously, [and] always seek light and truth.”

Dietrich said NHS values “academic success through perseverance” adding that each member “exemplifies the four principles of character, scholarship, leadership and service.”

She lit the first candle after a few tries, which brought giggles and applause from the audience.

NHS adviser Lauren Elsenbaumer reminded students, “We’re inducted into the National Honor Society after accepting the pillars of the organization.”

As she presented the new members, she cited the symbolic meaning of the keystone and the flaming torch, adding character “is the determination for academic success” and service means “a willingness to help others, to be resourceful and solve problems.”

Maria Haddad, one of NHS’s vice presidents, referenced several Disney films in her explanation of the cardinal principle of character.

Paraphrasing Walt Disney himself, she said NHS members will “keep moving forward opening new doors.”

“The capacity to learn is humankind’s greatest capacity,” Quentin Bernhard said in defining scholarship.

“With learning comes understanding in a never-ending cycle. A true scholar thirsts for academic knowledge [with] exploration and surprise,” said the president of the class of 2016.

Treasurer Brett Scott said, “It is an honor to be part of this organization” noting that those who display leadership in high school will likely “continue on to be leaders far after their graduation.”

Abigail Smith, co-vice president, cited Churchill in her remarks about service.

“We make a life by what we give, aiding others willingly [and] rendering service wholeheartedly.”

English teacher Lissa Opolsky was recognized for her outstanding and dedicated service to the high school.

“I knew she’d be taking pictures for the yearbook, but I really wanted to surprise her,” said Elsenbaumer. “I’m so glad she was selected.”

“The officers nominated her,” explained Dietrich. “She’s just a phenomenal teacher. She’s very in tune with the students. She’s able to understand our mindset and she’s very engaging.”

“They tricked me,” said Opolsky, “but I was really honored. The senior officers of this organization were my first students and I [now] have these kids in sports and clubs. They’re hardworking and they go out of their way to push past their comfort zone to be analytical.”

This was the first ceremony that Elsenbaumer organized as adviser of NHS.

“I was recruited by Mr. Zimmerman but I’ll do it again,” she said after the ceremony. “I love [these students]. I’ve had 75 percent of the kids in my [Spanish] class. They’re just nice kids, nice to one another and to their schools.”

Assistant principal Don Allen couldn’t agree more.

“They’re awesome,” said Allen, who described the students of having “tenacity. They just keep plugging along. You go into their classrooms and you just can’t help being impressed.”

“National Honor Society is a way to recognize student achievement and [acknowledge] those who want to go above and beyond. It also encourages members to take an active part in the community,” said Bernhard who has volunteered at Jacob’s Church and helped out at the Lynnport Fire Company.

“I’ve even dressed as the Easter Bunny,” he said with a smile. “Getting to talk to new people is an important part of life.”

The honor society students will soon be launching a new community service initiative.

NHS historian Michael Zimmerman said he is looking forward to volunteering at the “Christmas Light Spectacular at the [Lehigh Valley] Zoo from the end of November to early January. I have a committee and I make sure everyone has the service hours they need.”

This initiative was the brainstorm of NHS secretary McKenzi Divers.

“My dad is owner of Christmas Décor and he runs the winter light show at the zoo, which is a community event,” she explained. “I brought it up to him because I thought it would be nice for our school to be really involved in raising money for the zoo while getting more publicity for the zoo.”

“This is something new that we’re partnering in,” Scott said. “We wanted to get a group centered activity and show up as a whole.”