Jim Thorpe inducts National Honor Society members

Jim Thorpe Area High School welcomed two new classes of National Honor Society students at Tuesday evening’s induction ceremony.

The school’s 2018 class saw 14 new members joining the society, with the class of 2019 inducting 16 members.

Principal Thomas Lesisko said that these high-achieving students met an outstanding set of requirements to join the Honor Society, excelling in all aspects of life, in and outside of school.

“The faculty council worked very hard at screening applications, and there were lots of qualified candidates. This is an exceptional group of students that have had an outstanding few years in high school,” Lesisko said.

The group’s student leaders, including President Jacqueline Condly, Vice President Christopher Williams, secretary Payton Kovac, and treasurer Kayley Kovac, led the ceremony, with each member describing one of the Honor Society’s ideals.

To join the group, students must carry a cumulative grade-point average of 93 percent or higher, demonstrate a willingness to render any service to the school and community voluntarily or when called upon, exhibit leadership or organizational skills, and harbor a strong standard of character.

“It’s such a great honor to be part of this organization. These students excel not only in the classroom, but outside the classroom as well,” Kayley Kovac said. “These kids are leaders of the community, youth sports, all kinds of activities. They have jobs. They’re able to balance that, and have great academics along with great leadership qualities. It’s great to see how many students in our district were inducted this year, because it shows that our school is filled with a bunch of great kids.”

After reciting the society’s pledge, followed by a performance of the school’s alma mater, each student was invited to accept a golden honor cord and sign the NHS ledger, officiating their membership.

“It’s a really high honor, and I’m very honored to be part of this society,” junior Emma Gavornik said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was a freshman, and to be a part of it, I feel accomplished. It’s really exciting. I definitely plan on volunteering more. I volunteer often as it is now. I also plan on maintaining my high academics, and keeping that spirit with me as I go through high school.”

Following a slew of photo ops by the crowd, the new inductees enjoyed some cake and light refreshments to cap off the evening and celebrate their prosperous futures.

“I can’t wait to see the awesome things that they are going to do. They’re an amazing group of kids, and it’s going to be a wonderful year,” NHS adviser Suzanne Milkowich said.