CAMDEN, NY - 29 students at Camden High School can now call themselves members of the National Honor Society. That distinction was made official on Wednesday, November 20th, as the Camden High School Chapter held its annual induction ceremony inside the CHS Auditorium.
Induction into the National Honor Society is an important milestone that recognizes the highest achieving juniors and seniors, while encouraging them to be well-rounded citizens of their school and community. A student must demonstrate a commitment to the NHS values of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. They must carry a cumulative weighted average of 90 or above in the classroom, have a track record of community service, be a part of their school community through extracurricular activities, and demonstrate strong character. Inductees are selected by a faculty committee.
The work is just getting started for the new members, who will be asked to uphold the standards set by their predecessors. Some recent service project examples include the annual NHS food drive that wraps up on Friday, November 22nd, volunteering at the District-Wide Reading Spectacular, and the planting of tulips at the High School’s electronic signboard adjacent to Oswego Street.
The chapter is now carrying 75 active members on its roster for the 2024-25 academic year, under the tutelage of advisors Heidi Libertella and Christina Jackson. The 29 new members joined an existing membership numbering 46 students, who were in attendance to welcome their new peers.
The evening’s program was led by Chapter President Calli Evans, and Chapter Vice President Mackenzie Keil. Highlights of the evening included the presentation of inductees, the traditional NHS candle ceremony, and keynote remarks by Principal Aaron Fiorini and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ravo Root. Both emphasized that earning this opportunity is no small feat.
“The National Honor Society is not just an organization; it is a symbol of excellence and giving back,” Root said to the audience. “It recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship, character, leadership, and service in their academic journey. Tonight, we gather here to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work, dedication, and commitment that these students have shown throughout their high school years.”
"While academic performance is a cornerstone of membership, being part of the National Honor Society requires much more." Fiorini said at his first induction ceremony as principal. "The world is full of intelligent individuals, but true greatness is found in those who uphold the morals and ethics that define what it means to be a member of this society. As members, you are leaders, role models, and a reflection of the best our school offers."
For a nineteenth time, the Society also elected to induct an honorary adult member. An honorary adult membership can be granted by student members to an adult member of the school community who has had an especially significant influence on their educational pursuits, and on their lives as students.
This year’s honorary adult inductee is Camden Middle School English Teacher Kate Donaleski, who has plenty of experience working with many current members as their teacher, and their National Junior Honor Society advisor. She received her second induction into the society on Wednesday, as she was a student member at her alma mater, Herkimer High School. She brought her student membership card to show the new members, and that memento fit the theme of her guest speaker address perfectly.
If you don’t know, Herkimer’s mascot and nickname is the Magicians. Donaleski used her time at the podium to inspire the audience with a tale about her brother, Jimmy, who is a real life Magician. He has appeared on multiple network television programs including America’s Got Talent, and Penn and Teller’s Fool Us. Donaleski feels his success is a reminder of what students can achieve if they make their own magic every day.
“This world needs more magic,” Donaleski told the audience. “Whether it comes in the form of card tricks or community service I hope you choose to perform whenever possible. I hope you remain dedicated to work that matters, and make a difference in whatever corner of this world you find yourself in. I hope you continue to learn long after you leave the halls of Camden High School and that you embrace leadership roles just as you have here. I hope that the pillars of National Honor Society continue to contribute to the magic you have the chance to create.”
Congratulations to our new inductees, as listed below.
Senior Inductees (4)
Leilani Hillabrandt
Megan Leszczyk
Carter Willson
Isabella Wing
Junior Inductees (25)
Alexis Albrecht
Lawrence Fiume Jr.
Benjamin Gallagher
Ayden Gerow
Zachary Giarrusso
Adam Gonzalez
Gage Grinnell
Katelyn Hall
James Hinds
Evelyn Hotaling
Natalie Hotaling
Izabella Johnson
Mina Jones
Isabella Keller
Jacob LeBreux
Abigail Miller
Myah Ouderkirk
Autumn Porter
Garet Rocker
Sophia Seitz
Kaela Skinner
Daisy Strebel
Lucas VanAllen
Ella Winters
Lauren Zoldi
