The J. Taylor Finley Middle School National Junior Honor Society chapter inducted 73 current seventh graders into its ranks this past Monday night during a ceremony that featured many traditional rituals, including a candle lighting segment and member pledge.
Faculty advisor Amy Hughes was thrilled to bring dozens of new scholars into the organization’s ranks. Current honor society officers assisted during the ceremony. The incoming members were enthusiastic about joining a group that celebrates exceptional academic success. Proud parents took advantage of every opportunity to snap photos and applaud.
Finley eighth grader Sarah Krisch light five candles signifying each of the honor society's ideals.
Finley Principal John Amato gave a short address, which was followed by the time-honored candle lighting ceremony and tapping of new members. The inductees received certificates commemorating their achievement.
Mr. Amato called it an “exciting and well-deserved evening” for the students and their families. The inductees have compiled outstanding academic records through elementary school and seventh grade. They will complete their community service, leadership and citizenship requirements as eighth graders.
“Each of the inductees has compiled an academic average of at least 95 through the first three marking periods of seventh grade,” Mr. Amato said. “There are so many high achieving students at Finley I wish I could invite them all into the junior honor society.”
The new inductees include Adriana Abbatiello, Layna Abraham, Harris Alba, Kayleigh Bender, William Berry, Thomas Breingan, Tess Calabria, Joanna Chavez-Hernandez, Samuel Cirlincione, Keira Coulter, Casey DiGioia, Michael Donatelli, Benjamin Edgar-McNerney, Deanna Elvir, Katherine Estrada-Morales, Brooke Farasciano, Stephanie Flores, Landry Flynn, Lily Froggatt Bale, Lars Galvin, Aidan Geller, Thomas Girimonti, David Giron-Morejon, Ethan Goleski, Charlotte Gordon, Cristel Hernandez Reyes, Ariana James, Jada Joseph, Marley Joseph, Sophia Kaloudis, Joanna Kasindorf, Ariella Katigbak, Samantha Koepele, Sophie Lange and Rachel Learned.
Peter Leavy, Megan Lewis, Bryan Lizama, Jennifer Lopez Del Cid, Giada LoPorto, Andrea Mani-Munoz, Damaris Mani-Munoz, Jannel Marroquin, Samantha McGloin, Caroline McGreevy, Daniel McNulty, Ruby Meidenman, Riley Murtagh, Chloe Northrup, Emily Nunez-Ulloa, Ella O’Heir, Jordana Paniccia, Brooke Parks, Olivia Polinsky, Reese Rinaldi, Chelsea Romero, Sebastian Romero, Jack Ruthkowski, Kaitlyn Sansiviero, Nicholas Sclafani, Jack Semelsberger, Daniela Seren-Contreras, Uma Shtrom, Hannah Song, Eli Soric, Olivia Spada, Kaylee Splendorio, Jackson Stollmack, Lily Tierney, Karla Velasquez-Umanzor, Tyler Wheeler, Avante Williams-Samuels and Kelly Zelaya were also inducted during the ceremony.
Many eighth graders played roles in the ceremony. Ella Kamenstein welcomed the large crowd. Seamus McDevitt and Jordan Rund recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Neha Rathore and Sophia Breskin sang the Star Spangled Banner. Renee McKean introduced Mr. Amato. Nadeera Ali (scholarship), Lauren Gennarelli (citizenship), Rachel Morina (service), Aria Hannah (leadership) and Keyla Maldonado (character) spoke about the organization’s ideals.
James McCormick led the tapping ceremony. Kaci McDonald, Katie Meagher and Sophia Thompson assisted Mr. Amato with the distribution of certificates and pins. Leigh Hepworth offered closing remarks.
The evening concluded in the school lobby with a variety of appealing desserts and beverages. Parents and students chatted with one another and with Ms. Hughes, Mr. Amato, Finley Assistant Principal Kenneth Parham and Superintendent James W. Polansky.
