Finley Inducts 73 into
Junior Honor Society
The J. Taylor Finley Middle School National Junior Honor Society chapter inducted 73 current seventh graders into its ranks last Monday evening during a ceremony that included many traditional elements, including a candle lighting segment and a member pledge.
Faculty advisor Amy Hughes was clearly pleased with bringing dozens of new scholars into the organization’s ranks. This year’s honor society officers assisted during the ceremony. The incoming members seemed thoroughly enthused to be joining a group that celebrates exceptional academic success and their proud parents seized upon every opportunity to snap photos and applaud.
Finley Principal John Amato gave an inspirational address, which was followed by the time-honored candle lighting ceremony and tapping conducted by the officers. The new members received certificates and pins commemorating their achievement.
Mr. Amato called it a “wonderful evening” for the students and their families. The inductees have compiled sterling academic records through elementary school and seventh grade. They will complete their community service, leadership and citizenship requirements as eighth graders.
“National Junior Honor Society induction is one of my favorite nights as a principal,” Mr. Amato said. “Recognizing these students and meeting their families is a source of pride. As I told the students in my remarks, this is just the first step in the journey for academic excellence. They will have an opportunity to apply for induction in the National Honor Society in high school. This is simply the stepping stone.”
The new inductees include Danny Arias, Julia Aureliano, Christine Baade, Hannah Bailin, Matthew Baker, Christian Bellissimo, Erin Bonitz, Mia Breitbarth, Madison Buchholtz, Katherine Burton, Isabella Cahill, Ashlyn Case, Vanessa Chang, Jason Chapas, Hadley Clayton, Payton Coneys, Anna Crockett, Nina Danseglio, Katherine DeGennaro, Christiana Deluca, Christopher Diaz, Eliza Engelsher, Christopher Engle, Isabella Fox, Nathaniel Gamboa, Joseph Garetano, Natalie Gonzalez, Max Gordon, Francesca Greco, Madeline Haughwout, Nicholas Haupt, Matthew Hearl, Ryan Hoffman, Mackenzie Joseph, Olivia Kata, Yasmin Khilji-Neal and Sophia LaCentra.
John Langton, Lea Rose Laponti, Isabellarose Malone, Meagan-Elise Malone, Fionaleigh Malone, Candido Martinez, Annabella Matheus, Michael McCooey, Ashlyn McMarrow, Eli Mollineaux, Noah Morris, Haley Mortell, David Mosden, Mia Nitekman, Nicholas Otto, Amanda Pagan, Christopher Porzio, Matthew Quinn, Katherine Riley, Samuel Roberts, Kaitlyn Sage, Thomas Shea, Arashdeep Singh, Alexis Smith, Casey Smith, Jack Stewart, Katherine Stock, Ariana Strieb, Melisa Torres, Colby Tracy, Erika Varady, Nicole Walsh, Phoebe Walther, Kelly Warren, Jenna Yabroudy and Graham Young were also inducted during the ceremony.
The evening concluded in the school lobby with an assortment of snacks and refreshments. Parents and students chatted with one another and with Ms. Hughes, Mr. Amato and Superintendent James W. Polansky.