The new members of the Nathan Hale Chapter of the National Honor Society at Huntington High School.
The new members of the Nathan Hale Chapter of the National Honor Society at Huntington High School.

National Honor Society Chapter Inducts New Members

December 5, 2024

The Nathan Hale chapter of the National Honor Society at Huntington High School inducted more than five dozen new members this week in the auditorium. The ceremony marked the 71st annual induction in the organization’s history.

Huntington’s National Honor Society chapter is led by Emily Kustera (president), Elizabeth James (vice president), Samuel Soric (treasurer) and Michael Mendikyan (secretary and tutoring coordinator). Teacher Tara Rossy serves as faculty advisor.

Superintendent Beth McCoy, Principal Rochelle Brown, Assistant Principals Gamal Smith and Patricia Avelli, Huntington School Board President and Vice President, Xavier Palacios and Michele Kustera and Trustee Annie Michaelian were all in attendance.

The new members include Gabriela Amaya, Ethan Ambrosio, Ruby Baliber, Alexandra Balm, Kiley Barch, Joseph Boeckmann, Sabrina Boyle, Jordana Boxer, Bridget Callery, Charlotte Cassatto, Sage Cicciari, Kathleen Cocoman, Ryan DiVico, Michaela Dopico, Kympora Dorvilus, Grayson Dunn, Eshmal Fatima, Valerie Ferreira, Nicolas Francis, Wynne Franciscovich, Carly Gallagher, Gabriela Genao, Grace Gordon, Emma Gutierrez, Dylan Heller, Heather Herman, Erika Hernandez Veliz, Mildred Hernandez Veliz, Ruby Hoffman, John Joyce, Mia Kaufman, Samuel Klaaren, Kyra Larsen, Naomi Lyons, Jesley Martinez Canales and Alexa Mazure.

Those inducted also include Anna McCormick, Olivia McGreevy, Kiera McGuire, Iverson Menjivar Quintanilla, Cecilina Monge Moreira, Charles Michaelian, Samantha Muller, Taylor Nappi, Isabella Palacios, Caleb Palermo, Claire Parks, Emma Polinsky, Anthony Retamal Vidal, Toni Reyes-Sorto, Dana Saramago, Daniel Simon, Jaipreet Singh, Louisa Skrobela, Katie Sorto Cabrera, Devin St. John, Alexander Tine, Myah Urena, Sofia Van Arsdale, Sofia Vias, James Vohs, Lily Wasoski, Elizabeth Waters, Jolie Weinschreider, Sophia Weiss and Dylan Wong.

Chapter officers Emily Kustera, Elizabeth James, Samuel Soric and Michael Mendikyan took turns speaking about the group’s membership pillars of character, scholarship, leadership and service. President Emily Kustera and Vice President Elizabeth James led the tapping of the inductees. Ms. Brown presented the new members with certificates. Mrs. Rossy administered the National Honor Society pledge.

Ms. Kustera and Mr. Soric performed a well-received rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. Ms. Brown offered remarks early in the program. Dean of Student Support Robert Gilmor was this year’s guest speaker.

A reception followed the induction in the main lobby outside the auditorium. Parents snapped photos and students showed off their membership certificates.

The National Honor Society’s motto is “Noblesse Oblige,” a French term that translates in English to “nobility obligates.” The new members are expected to assist all students on the path toward academic excellence through a variety of tutoring and community service activities.