Friends, family, and faculty gathered in the Iva Walker Auditorium on Tuesday evening to honor the 57th class of National Honor Society inductees from James A. Garfield High School’s Georgia Lee Alford chapter. The event, filled with traditions and moving speeches, underscored the dedication of these students to the society’s values of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character.
Tessa Burnworth, a National Honor Society officer, opened the ceremony with an enthusiastic welcome. “Good evening and welcome to the 57th annual induction ceremony,” Burnworth said. “We’re honored to celebrate the achievements, hard work, and dedication of our new inductees tonight.” She described the rigorous selection process, explaining, “Eligible juniors and seniors must have a GPA of 3.6 or higher to apply. Their applications are then reviewed by a faculty council based on the four pillars of the National Honor Society, and selections are made by secret ballot.” Burnworth highlighted the evening’s traditions, including a candle-lighting ceremony that she described as “symbolizing the passing of knowledge and responsibility” from current members to new inductees.
Kylee Neer, an NHS member, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the pledge, Nicholas Edic introduced the evening’s theme, emphasizing the significance of the society’s four core pillars. “Tonight we have the honor of welcoming candidates who have exemplified the core qualities most esteemed by the National Honor Society,” Edic said. “Each of our National Honor Society officers will now speak on one of these values, illuminating its significance within our organization.”
Abygail Seiler, NHS officer, took the stage to discuss Scholarship, a value she described as extending beyond academics. “When we think of scholarship, we often think about grades and test scores,” Seiler said. “But in the National Honor Society, scholarship represents a lifelong commitment to learning, an unrelenting curiosity about the world, and a passion to grow—not only for ourselves but for the communities we are a part of.” She shared advice from her grandmother, which shaped her approach to learning: “My Nana once told me, ‘If you can read, you can do anything,’ and those words stuck with me, becoming my guiding principle.”
Makaylyn Spencer followed with remarks on Service, quoting philosopher Howard Zinn: “Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” She reflected on her community involvement, including experiences with holiday events and simple acts of kindness. “Helping others doesn’t always require dedicating your whole day,” she said. “Sometimes it’s as simple as opening a door or donating old clothes. The kindness found in small acts is truly priceless.” Spencer shared a memory of Christmas caroling with her family, recalling how an elderly resident they sang to had passed away soon after. “We were among the last to bring him joy,” Spencer said. “If you miss the chance to be kind today, you might never get that chance again.”
Hannah Kernig, another officer, spoke about Character, emphasizing integrity in all aspects of life. “People often describe character as being who you are when no one is watching, but character is who you are in every interaction, in every decision,” Kernig said. “It’s about accepting our imperfections and committing to grow from them.” She reminded inductees that their character earned them a place in the National Honor Society and urged them to carry that strength forward. “May you continue to live out these values and inspire those around you through the strength of your character,” she said.
Leadership was the final value addressed, and NHS President Hallie Cebulla challenged the audience’s perception of what true leadership entails. “Most of you probably thought of someone in a formal position, someone who gives orders and has power,” Cebulla said. “But without empathy, leadership isn’t genuine.” She encouraged inductees to lead with empathy, sharing, “The leaders I look up to are those who make me feel valued and cared for. True leadership is made powerful by empowering others.”
Following the speeches, the inductees participated in a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, where they received the “eternal light of knowledge” from current members. Afterward, they took a pledge to uphold the society’s values. “Our commitment to scholarship is not just for personal growth but also to inspire and uplift others,” said Cebulla.
Garfield High School, math teacher and NHS advisor, Doug Engelhart, closed the ceremony with remarks on the deeper meaning of the society’s core values. “Embracing the values of scholarship, character, leadership, and service requires more than commitment—it requires love,” he told the inductees, quoting C.S. Lewis: “‘To love at all is to be vulnerable.’ When we commit to these values, we’re opening our hearts to the needs of others and allowing ourselves to be moved by their struggles, hopes, and dreams.” Engelhart urged the inductees to let love guide them, “to take risks, to care deeply, and to serve wholeheartedly.”
Certificates and a yellow rose—a symbol of peace and unity—were presented to each new member, including Elizabeth Proya, Kaelyn Tasker, Makenna Guyette, Jordan Haney, Derik Stanley, Dakota Stanley, Loreal Puleo, Addison Truce, Lilian Shay, Reese Shirkey, Olivia Grcar, Grant Fogel, Elise Edwards, and Mandy Cardinal.
At the ceremony’s end, Engelhart invited parents and families to join in the celebration, saying, “Let us also take a moment to thank those who have supported you—the family, friends, and mentors whose love brought you here.”