ol scholar -- acceptance into the National Honor Society.Eighty-six Vineland High School students achieved on Thursday the highest honor bestowed on an American high school scholar -- acceptance into the National Honor Society.
The ceremony was held in the auditorium of VHS South.
To qualify for National Honor Society, students must have an 86 average or higher in all subjects and show outstanding participation in extra-curricular activities, according to Carole Dallago, NHS advisor. Nominees must also demonstrate leadership ability, have an outstanding record of community service and an excellent attendance record. Leadership is based on the student's participation in two or more community or school activities, or election to an office, she said. To meet the service requirement, the student must have been active in three or more service projects in the school and community. Character is measured in terms of integrity, behavior, ethics and cooperation with both students and faculty. Citizenship is assessed by the student's participation in civic-related organizations and/or activities.
“A student may, therefore, have a very high academic average and still fail to be elected to the NHS if he does nothing for his school or community or if he shows characteristics that are undesirable,” said Dallago. “Membership is so limited that only the most outstanding students may be admitted. It is this select group that will be brought into this society this evening.”
Officers of the organization include: Frank Romano, President; Evan Flood, First Vice President; Brent Butler, Second Vice President; Carolyn Brooks, Recording Secretary, and Pablo Salcedo, Corresponding Secretary.
“NHS is really an indication of a preparation for life,” said Charles Ottinger, Superintendent of Schools. “But you never really graduate from the school of life. The lessons can really never be mastered and you certainly need a number of qualities and characteristics to even be able to compete in the school of life. This organization, more so than others, exemplifies what the educational process is all about. It is definitely not just about academics.”
“It is very important to be a well-rounded student -- a student of strong character who knows the meaning of dedication and commitment to reach a goal,” he said. “All of you here tonight demonstrate every one of those characteristics. I think you are doing a pretty good job competing in the school of life. You have a long way to go, but something tells me you are going to do a great job.”
“You are not here because it was something nice to do in your spare time, or because of the luck of the draw,” said Frank Giordano, Vineland Board of Education President. “You are here tonight earning this prestigious honor because of your strong work ethic, your determination to succeed, your commitment, the wise, smart choices you have made, and your focus on achieving your goals. Perhaps most importantly, you have your priorities in order. “It is only fitting and proper that we honor you and recognize you. It is our pleasure to do so. We’re proud of you and you should be proud of yourselves.”
“Don’t be afraid to strut your stuff,” said Giordano.
Said Dr. Thomas McCann, Vineland High School Executive Principal, “All of the students here tonight have three important characteristics beyond great intelligence. Perseverance, self-motivation and a positive mental attitude. I see evidence of these traits every day in the halls of Vineland High School. These are traits that will serve you well not only in pursuit of higher education, but in life. This is only the beginning. Continue the great things you have done at VHS through life’s journey.”
“The young men and women who sit upon this stage tonight have brought great honor to VHS, to their parents, to their guardians and themselves,” said Dorothy Burke, VHS South Associate Principal. “They have worked assiduously in their academics, they have provided leadership among their peers, they have displayed a sound character, and they have made a difference in their community. However, they have not done that by themselves. They have had the support and guidance of their teachers. Yet, if one is to trace back to the first steps of his or her educational journey, one would see the path started in the home with you, the parents and the guardians of these students who have now reached a national status of being the best. We appreciate all the support you have given your children. And we appreciate the importance you have placed on education.”
After the traditional candle-lighting ceremony, the inductees were presented with pins, gold cords and certificates. Each of the students received a red rose to present to a parent or family member.
The inductees include: Alexandra Adel, Josue M. Adorno, Zulibette Adorno, Hannah Ahrens, Andrew Anastor, Suparek Anusontarangkul, Kaitlynn Arena, Sarah Bernhardt, Carolyn Brooks, Vaunique Brown, Brent Butler, Julio Carrion, Precious Cartwright, Christopher Castellini, Kristy Castellini, Carla Catrambone, Nicole Chammings, Carli Cherwien, Andrea C. Chieffo, Denae Clark, Paul M. Cohen, Joey Contreras, Amanda Creech, Lauren Daplyn, Katlin Davis, Danielle Deckard, Framary DeLaCruz, Tiara Denelsbeck, Peter A. Doulis, Christine Dovnarsky, Victoria Druziako, Jessica Dzindzio, Lauren Fabbri, F. Anne Farnoly, Javonne Felton, Evan Flood, Alison L. Furman, Kristina Gannotta, Kathryn A. Giocondo, Kaitlyn Grabowy, Andrea Handy, Angelina Harr, Laura Heller, Pak L. Ho, Ryan Humphries, Maritza Jimenez, Sheyda Karvar, Rajan Kaur, Joshua Laboy, Karlie Leonelli, Francesca Mainiero, Alexander Mayo, Gianfranco Moi, Katelyn Moratelli, Inna Nechay, Samantha O’Brien, Danielle Owens, Amanda A. Padro, Chasite’ Palmer, Dana Parks, Abhijit Parmar, Jenny Paterno, Sonal Puri, Rebecca Redel, Rebecca Ridgway, Gina Ridolfo, Bianca Rivera, Frank Romano, Pablo Salcedo, Darryl Saull, Adam Schaffer, Alyssa Shadinger, Melanie Shapiro, Michelle Simmons, Heather Smaniotto, Susie Smith, Suzette Smith, Jordan A. Sooy, Brandon D. Tomasso, Lara Trivellini, Lina Truong, Anita A. Venuto, Brigid C. Wallace, Samantha E. Wallace, Christina D. Watts, and Meghan Wolfe.
The event was videotaped by VPS Broadcasting and will be aired on Channel 13 tonight, Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m.
DVD and videotape copies can be purchased by calling Mrs. Sheila Biagi at (856) 794-6700 Ext. 2103 or via email at sbiagi@vineland.org .