ROCHELLE — In a candlelit ceremony on the auditorium stage Monday night, 23 students were inducted into the Rochelle Township High School Chapter of the National Honor Society. 

Established in 1921, the National Honor Society (NHS) is the oldest and most respected student recognition organization in America. Membership in NHS distinguishes students who have committed themselves to the pursuit of academic excellence, community improvement, and personal development. 

While academic achievement is a core component of the NHS, today’s students need much more than just good grades to get ahead. The NHS focus on service, leadership and character helps students build the skills and the relationships to accommodate success throughout academic years and beyond.

When NHS members participate in community service projects like the RTHS Quarterly Blood Drives or attend leadership events and serve as ambassadors to their schools & communities, they connect with faculty, community leaders and local business leaders who can provide recommendations and references as well as leads on future internships and jobs, they build a portfolio of life achievements for use on college and career applications, begin networking with other student leaders focused on personal growth and building a solid foundation for future endeavors and become more effective leaders and learn why leadership skills are an essential tool at any stage of life.

NHS applicants prepare for a faculty committee review. In their applications, they have to prove they possess the qualities of leadership, scholarship, service and character which are the cornerstones of the organization.

The induction ceremony is very traditional and very impressive. This year it was even more so as new gowns and sashes were on display.  It began with the lighting of the candles.

The Blue Candle of Leadership was lighted by President Zoey Tabor, the Green Candle of Service was lighted by Treasurer Devansh Patel, the Red Candle of Scholarship was lighted by Secretary Madison Ost and the Yellow Candle of Character was lighted by Vice President Megan Thompson.

2022 National Honor Society inductees included seniors Julia Berry, Margaux Da Costa, Peter Forsberg and Sylvia Hasz and juniors Ellie Carmichael, Landon DeLille, Casandra Garcia, John Green, Owen Haas, Kailey Harris, Anna Harvey, Bailey Jackson, Rylee Jackson, Isabella Nauman, Yuelma Ortiz, Zalak Patel, Layla Pelan, Sophia Rocha, Samantha Sanford, Morgan Smardo, Baylie Sutton, Paul Swartz and David Wanner.

These students were welcomed by current 2021 NHS inductees Nathan Burdin, Miguel Cruz, Riley Flanagan, Sergio Guevara, Emma Hicks, Marlen Hueramo, Ashley Knight, Tanner Lager, Josh Lloyd, Jaela Ludwick, Josie Lundquist, Ella McKinney, Madison Ost, Devansh Patel, Schuyler Podolski, Leslie Rodriguez, Zach Sanford, Ryan Simmons, Zoey Tabor, Megan Thompson and Cecilia Vargas.