The World Language Honor Society inducted 83 new members at Emmaus High School April 22.

World Languages Department Chair Kevin Bisignani welcomed the students, family, friends and staff.

“You are the future of cross-cultural understanding,” Bisignani told the students.

Bisignani added, “You are assets to the global community.”

To be considered for membership in this honor society, students had to go “above and beyond the classroom” to earn points through tutoring, taking special language exams and participating in the International Fair. Members who are seniors received their graduation cords at the induction ceremony.

Officers of the World Language Honor Society include Keylin Alarcòn, Sebastian De La Cruz, Aubrey Huff and Grace Malitz. The advisers are Madame Celine Pissara and Kevin Bisignani. Principal Beth Guarriello was in the audience to “cheer the students on” and take pictures.

The French students were the first group to take the stage for induction. Pissara explained the 11 students have demonstrated a “commitment to global understanding and that having a second language is to have a second soul.”

Fortress Chryst described the induction using French while Dylan Dueh recited in English. Slides of new members were depicted on the stage screen with their favorite memories expressed in both languages. New members lit candles which symbolized the “passing of the torch.” The flame was described as a symbol of the passage of knowledge. Students promised to pass on their love of French culture.

“This is not a finish line. This is a milestone,” Pissara concluded.

The German students took the stage next. Frau Dawn Laubner welcomed students Diego Chavolla and Laura Justesen to the stage who alternated recitations in German and English, including the induction oath. After lighting the candle and reciting the oath, the four inductees were told that “even though the candle is blown out, may the light stay with you always.”

Latin teacher Stra Melissa Newcomer brought her 11 Latin students to the stage next for induction.

Latin Club President John Anthony told the audience how important the classics are and that it is their job to “preserve the humanities.”

Anthony encouraged the Latin students to avoid being distracted and focus on preserving the classics.

The largest induction group was the La Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica and included 57 inductees.

Senora Stephanie Ardito welcomed students Grace Malitz and Kyle Chan to the stage to induct the new members. Chan explained the “Mother flame represents the heat, the inspiration and the commitment to international understanding.”

The students of Spanish recited their pledge in both English and Spanish. Chan reminded the students they “will blow out their candles, but never your spirit.”

Bisignani thanked the parents for supporting and encouraging their students to study multiple languages