By Conor Glennon ‘20

Good character is not something everybody has. But what if I told you that at Brother Rice, every high character academic scholar was in the same place at the same time? I would tell you that it is this thing called the National Honor Society induction ceremony, and that it literally happens every single year.

Being among some of the hardest working students is truly an honor; hence, the name “honor society.” However, this is no boast for those who have earned a spot in great esteem, but instead, a celebration for their commitment.

Every year, all of the new and pre-existing members join for a brief ceremony where they are recognized for their excellence. However, this year, unlike years prior, was a little bit more honorable.

In the past, because there were too many inductees, the ceremony was simply just the night that they received certificates. This year, each member felt more part of such a new tradition. Whether it was the early ceremony darkness, or the end of ceremony candle lit auditorium. Whether it was shaking Mr. Donahue and Mr. Alberts’ hands, or the actual lighting of the candles. Maybe it was just a perfect combination of them all.

Regardless, the ceremony was more than a group of scholars. This year, each individual inductee had a voice. Each inductee had a light. One by one, as the members were inducted, a candle was lit. Each new flame represented the light within each of the members. As the night went on, the gym filled with more and more light. Eventually, the candles lit up the entire gym, signifying the importance of each individual light. Together, the light of each inductee gave light to an entire audience.

Senior President Tom Crane said, “The new changes made to the NHS induction ceremony kept everybody on the edge of their seats.”  The improvements really stood compared to years past. Crane also said, “The ceremony was electric.”

As leaders of the school, it is most important that each person uses their light to inspire others to find their own light.