The Emmaus High School National Honor Society recognizes juniors and seniors with a 3.6 grade-point average or higher but also must demonstrate excellence in scholarship, service, leadership and character.

On Nov. 12, NHS inducted 164 new members.

President of National Honor Society Aarav Gasham was not present for the ceremony.

Vice President Boden Rainford assumed the duties for the evening program along with Secretary Marleigh Llewelyn and Treasurer Alexis Treichman.

Social Studies teacher Amy Kauntiz serves as the adviser to the academic organization. Director of Student Activities Carrie Okken, Principal Beth Guarriello and Assistant Principal Nicole D’Emilio also participated in the ceremony.

Each NHS executive member described each of the four pillars of the organization.

Treichman told the inductees, “All of you here have demonstrated excellence. Be proud of your background.”

Rainford told the new inductees to “provide service that is everlasting.” He reminded them service is a duty and they should “serve with passion and devotion, not just to check off a box for a requirement.” Rainford encouraged new inductees to “create positive impacts on society and contribute to everlasting communities.”

Llewelyn remarked leadership involves seeing the “potential not only in yourself to lead, but also to recognize the potential in others.”

Pamela Hunter, who teaches Advanced Placement U.S. History and American History 2 Honors, spoke to the inductees and audience members on behalf of the faculty. A veteran teacher of 30 years, Hunter exuded pride in Emmaus High School. Hunter is a 1991 graduate of Emmaus High School along with her husband. Her two sons are also Emmaus Hornets from the Classes of 2020 and 2026. Hunter explained how the four pillars of scholarship, service, leadership and character intertwine in shaping who they are and who they become.

Following the speakers, inductees stood and proceeded to the stage to be formally introduced as new members of NHS.

Executive officers alternated announcing names as inductees crossed the stage to be congratulated by Guarriello and Okken.

Inductees then stood with lighted candles to recite their oath of promise to uphold the pillars of scholarship, service, leadership and character.

The new members received their certificates and celebrated with their family members with refreshments in the Hornets’ Nest cafeteria.