The Ursa Major chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) formally inducted 15 members, introduced the new council, and recognized three members with awards on Monday, May 17, 2023.
The evening began with NHS Faculty Sponsor Amy Miller recognizing the current cabinet, all of whom are seniors:
- Carissa L., president;
- Sofia O., vice president;
- Kaylee B., secretary;
- Taylor H., treasurer;
- Andrew H., parliamentarian; and
- Haegan M., historian.
Carissa introduced the junior officers elected for the 2023-2024 school year:
- Izzi Z., president;
- Nathan S., vice president;
- Celina K., secretary;
- Alex H., treasurer;
- Mulka B., parliamentarian; and
- Ahna W., historian.
Continuing a tradition the 2008 cabinet initiated, current officers pinned their successors before reflecting on the four tenets of the NHS: leadership, character, scholarship, and service.
President Carissa L. '23 opened with a quote by Leroy Eims: "A leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who sees before others see."
"But a great leader will always lead the people for a better future," Carissa continued. "It has been an honor to work alongside this National Honor Society membership. Over this past year, members have sacrificed time and energy to give back to our community. Through service projects, peer tutoring, and other responsibilities, each individual here has earned the honor of being part of this organization. We have come together as a chapter to leave a lasting impact on the CSS community that I hope will continue to grow and flourish in later years."
This school year, NHS conducted an impressive number of projects not only within the CSS community but beyond. Projects included running a voter registration drive that registered more than 30 young votes; organizing the Upper School's Fall Service Day; spearheading the annual Harvest of Love food drive to benefit Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado; and collecting toiletries and clothes for The Hanger, where teens in foster care can shop for free thanks to CASA of the Pikes Peak Region. Several NHS members also served as tutors for Middle School students and 9th graders.
Inducted were senior Camille A. and juniors Izzi Z., Paige H., Nathan S., Celina K., Katelyn R., Adhista E., Alex H., Mulka B., Matilda V., Caleb P., and Ahna W. Inducted in absentia were juniors Nora V., Mia L., and Lucia S.
The ceremony wrapped up with four awards presented to members who have demonstrated greatness in the main values of NHS: Leadership to Carissa L. '23; Character to Sofia O. '23; Scholarship to Lucia S. '24 and Adhista E. '24; and Service to Ahna W. '24, with more than 281 hours of volunteer service so far this academic year.
NHS, established in 1921 to recognize excellence in high school students, has lauded the accomplishments of young people who are able to meet with success in many areas of school life.
"A strong leader, as defined by the NHS handbook, inspires positive behavior in others, demonstrates academic initiative, exercises positive influence on peers, and is dependable in any responsibility accepted," said incoming President Izzi Z. '24. "The CSS chapter of the National Honor Society is full of people who exemplify leadership in many different capacities, and I’m honored to be warmly welcomed into this wonderful group of changemakers."
