Thirty-one James A. Garfield High School students joined the Georgia Lee Alford Chapter of the National Honor Society during its 59th annual induction ceremony Monday, Oct. 12, in the school's Iva Walker Auditorium.
The ceremony celebrated academic achievement while emphasizing that membership in the National Honor Society represents something greater than earning good grades. Through personal reflections, chapter officers encouraged the new members to embrace the organization's four pillars — scholarship, service, leadership and character — in their classrooms, communities and everyday lives.
Current member Rebecca Evans welcomed students, families and guests, explaining the rigorous selection process required for membership.
Eligible juniors and seniors must maintain a minimum 3.6 GPA to apply. Applications are evaluated by a faculty council based on the four pillars, with final selections determined by secret ballot. This year's inductees received their invitations during a tapping ceremony Sept. 30.
"Tonight, we're celebrating more than just good grades and academic success," Evans said. "We're recognizing students who have shown that they're willing to lead, serve others, and be people of good character."
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Eva VonBergen, Gavin Barnard introduced the chapter officers, who each addressed one of the organization's guiding principles.
Scholarship means more than grades
Chapter Secretary Aaron Evans opened the presentations with a reflection on scholarship, challenging the idea that academic excellence is measured solely by grades.
"To be a scholar is to be intellectually curious; to constantly strive for understanding, not just the answer," he said.
Evans emphasized the importance of persistence and approaching challenges as opportunities to learn rather than looking for shortcuts.
He also offered a contemporary observation about students' increasing access to technology, explaining that a good scholar does not simply ask ChatGPT to solve a problem but takes the time to understand it and work toward a solution independently.
"A scholar sees adversity as an opportunity to test themselves, learn, and grow," Evans said.
He encouraged the incoming members to maintain their curiosity and dedication to learning long after leaving Garfield.
Service through empathy and action
Chapter Treasurer Quinn Roberecki, who also oversees the organization's service committee, spoke about the responsibility members have to help others without expecting recognition or reward.
Roberecki described service as a commitment to addressing the needs of others through empathy and action, whether within the school or throughout the greater community.
He told the inductees that their selection demonstrated their willingness to serve and expressed enthusiasm for the contributions they would make as members.
Character is doing the right thing
Vice President Charlee Hill approached the pillar of character with a question, asking the audience to imagine the qualities they would want in an ideal coworker.
Would that person be dishonest, avoid responsibility or leave unfinished work for others?
Her point was that character is demonstrated not through titles or accomplishments but through the everyday choices people make.
"They do the right thing even when others aren't looking," Hill said, describing individuals who demonstrate respect, perseverance and compassion both inside and outside the classroom.
Hill also emphasized that character does not require perfection. Instead, it requires accountability, honesty and the willingness to support others when circumstances become difficult.
"Because character isn't about being perfect. It's about the choices we make every day, especially when those choices aren't easy," she said.
Speaking from her own experiences with the inductees, Hill said she was proud to welcome classmates she considered dependable, compassionate and willing to stand beside others.
Leadership means helping others succeed
Chapter President Hannah Timmons concluded the presentations with a personal account of how her understanding of leadership had evolved during her time in the National Honor Society.
Timmons recalled entering the organization a year earlier, eager to take on new responsibilities but uncertain of the opportunities ahead.
Her involvement included the chapter's pancake breakfast and annual community cleanup. One experience, however, stood out.
Through NHS, Timmons and several fellow members worked with Garfield special education teacher Ms. Schwikurt to coach the school's Unified Basketball team.
Timmons described the experience as one of the most rewarding of her high school career, demonstrating how leadership, persistence and compassion can create meaningful opportunities for others.
She also shared a lesson from a National Guard leadership exercise she attended over the summer.
Although she received praise for her leadership abilities, Timmons realized she struggled with allowing others to take charge. When the exercise required her to step aside, she learned that supporting another leader could be just as important as directing the group herself.
A captain later reinforced the importance of having the humility to allow others to lead.
"Good leaders lead, great leaders lead others to do the same," Timmons said.
She challenged the inductees to recognize that leadership is not limited to team captains, elected officers or those who naturally seek attention.
"Leadership is not a title, it is who you decide to be when no one is watching," she said.
Timmons concluded with a challenge for the newest members: "Don't just be someone who leads the way. Be someone who makes others believe they can lead too."
A symbolic passing of knowledge
Following the presentations, the ceremony continued with the traditional passing of the Eternal Light of Knowledge.
Current members passed candlelight to the inductees, symbolizing the continuation of the organization's ideals from one generation of members to the next.
Each new member was called forward to take part in the ceremony, joining current members at the front of the auditorium.
Together, the new inductees and existing members recited the National Honor Society pledge, promising to maintain high academic standards, demonstrate sound character, lead courageously and give freely of themselves in service to others.
Timmons formally welcomed the inductees into the Georgia Lee Alford Chapter, reminding them that membership carries responsibilities beyond the recognition of their achievements.
Each new member also received a certificate and yellow carnation, with the flower serving as a reminder of peace, kindness and unity.
Chapter Historian Madisyn Seiler delivered the closing remarks, asking students to consider what they hoped to leave behind after their time at Garfield.
Seiler acknowledged the significance of academic achievements, awards and extracurricular accomplishments but encouraged members to measure their impact in a different way.
"Sometimes, the smallest actions leave behind the biggest impression," she said.
She reminded the inductees that the four pillars are not simply qualifications for membership but values to carry throughout their lives.
"You don't have to change the entire world to make an impact," Seiler said. "Sometimes, it starts with one person, one choice, or one act of kindness."
Following the ceremony, members gathered for photographs, while families and guests were invited to a reception in the school commons.
New members
The 31 students inducted into the Georgia Lee Alford Chapter were:
Olivia Beal, Alec Beatty, Ryder Cain, Jared Cardinal, Kailey Eller, Luke Evans, Nicholas Fleming, Sierra Foy, Kiera Gonzales, Jordyn Hill, Leah Hill, Bailey Jaeger, Heidi Jessel, Drew Jursa, Noah Jursa, Emily Knerem, Tenley Korosec, Olivia Kuchenbecker, Devin Kurtzman, Avery Lake, Lola Lake, Charlotte Long, Cole Porter, Sullivan Rainey, Caden Roman, Logan Sell, Payton Soltis, Owen Thomas, John Timmons, Emily Whitehair and Nora Yukich.
Continuing a Garfield tradition
The Georgia Lee Alford Chapter is led by President Hannah Timmons, Vice President Charlee Hill, Secretary Aaron Evans and Treasurer Quinn Roberecki. Madisyn Seiler serves as chapter historian.
The chapter acknowledged the faculty council, NHS committees and school custodial staff for their contributions to the event. Special thanks were also extended to Ben Coll for sound and livestream production, Kristine Miller for behind-the-scenes support, Brittany Bellone for serving as a team-building chaperone and Kathleen Kisabeth for adviser support.