93 Bel Air High School students were inducted into National Honor Society on Monday, November 25, 2013. Students who possessed the four important qualities were recognized for their service work and intelligence, as well as showing promise of the four most important aspects that the NHS stands for.

Students received letters stating they were qualified for NHS during the first week of school. From there, if the student wished to be accepted into the society, they filled out a form that asked for examples of service work and leadership positions they have participated in. The four qualities- character, service, leadership, and scholarship- are the focus of the NHS and their advisor, Ms. Stants.

“[NHS] is well-respected in the school. Every year, the kids are good and well-rounded,” Ms. Stants stated.

Those who got into NHS received their letters in mid-October and were finally inducted last night. The ceremony started off with a speech from Mr. Andrews, who quoted Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and talked about fighting fire with water instead of more fire. Then, Ben Barsam, President of NHS, along with Vice President Sarah Hawkins, Secretary Meghan Scarry, and Treasurer Mike Koscinski, talked about the characteristics within the four qualities.

Seniors being inducted were first to be called. Reed Kafer, a senior inductee, said “It felt really good to finally get in and be recognized for work in school.”

After all seniors and juniors were inducted, each student received a candle. They were lit and the inductees were asked to recite the NHS pledge. Junior Andrea Mullin stated, “The candle lighting was a unique part of the induction and I enjoyed that. It was a bringing together of everyone being inducted.”

NHS is a big group around the school that helps out the community and other students. There are plans this year of a writing/tutoring center and random service projects. With all the new people in the group, new ideas are encouraged from the members.

“With around 93 new members, they all have their own thing to contribute. The more people, the more ideas and hands to work,” Ben Barsam said.

Congratulations to all inductees of the 2013-2014 NHS.