On April 3, families, faculty, students, and community members of The Colorado Springs School gathered at the Louisa Performing Arts Center to celebrate the 2025–2026 National Honor Society Induction Ceremony for the Ursa Major Chapter. Under the direction of Faculty Adviser and Master of Ceremonies Dr. Samuel Wells, the evening recognized new inductees and continuing members alike, honoring the academic excellence, leadership, service, and character that define membership in one of the nation's most prestigious student organizations.
Founded in 1921, the National Honor Society stands on four pillars — Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character — and membership reflects sustained commitment to all four.
Faculty Honors & Student Tributes
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of three faculty members whose influence has shaped generations of CSS students. Each honoree was celebrated with a heartfelt student tribute.
Amy Miller — Tribute by Morgan H. '26
Former CSS English teacher and NHS Faculty Sponsor Amy Miller, who retired last year, was honored for her years of leadership and mentorship. NHS President Morgan H. offered a tribute that was equal parts heartfelt and humorous, capturing the quality that defined Ms. Miller's relationship with students — a genuine, lasting investment in the person behind the grade.
"Beyond being someone who taught us, you got to know us. It is known to everybody that you are wholeheartedly invested in the personal development of any student that crosses your path. While you were our teacher, you were also our Mama Bear," Morgan said.
"If there was a performance that your advisees were in, you emailed them and tell them they rocked it. If you saw someone was down, you’d make sure they were alright. You also made it known to reach out to you if we needed anything, even when your chapter at CSS closed and the party that is retirement opened. With that, please don’t get too cool and forget to answer my emails!"
Natalie Hanson — Tribute by Meia A. '26
NHS Vice President Meia A. honored Science Teacher Natalie Hanson, who has shaped CSS students across nearly a decade of classes ranging from freshman biology to AP Psychology. Meia's tribute traced her own journey through Ms. Hanson's classroom — and what it meant to be truly seen and challenged by a teacher who never confused support with hand-holding.
"As soon as I entered your class, I knew that you were someone who cared about us. No matter what, you were there to guide us, whether that be through the hectic freshman biology class or the absolutely incredible AP Psychology class, you looked at each of us for who we were," Meia said.
"You taught us what we needed to know, you let us explore what we needed to find, and though the classes may have gotten harder, you never wavered from supporting us in any way you could. You did not hold our hands. You taught us how we could hold our own. You pushed us to be the best we could, to make mistakes, to fix them, and to be better. To be incredible. And we only made it this far because we all had the most incredible teacher."
John Paul Takacs — Tribute by Coltin B. '26
NHS Parliamentarian Coltin B. delivered a memorable tribute to Math Teacher John Paul Takacs — who also served on the NHS Faculty Council this year — celebrating him as both a master teacher and a true "Renaissance man." Coltin highlighted Mr. Takacs's creativity in teaching mathematics, his humor, his dedication to students, and his constant willingness to support others, qualities that have left a deep and lasting impression on the CSS community. Coltin drew on a shared experience from Matchwits, which Mr. Takacs coaches, to illustrate the teacher's lasting impact.
"I meant everything I said that night, about how much you have encouraged me to pursue math as a true passion rather than a path to the next step. I meant that everything I do, I want to do with the effort, willingness, and enthusiasm that you, Mr. Takacs, show every day," Coltin said. "And lastly, I meant that I want to go and explore math, the world, and hopefully inspire my future students the same way you have taught me; with an undying love for math and a deep care for the people around me."
Faculty Council & Community Leadership
The integrity of NHS membership is safeguarded by the Faculty Council. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the council included:
- Dr. Michael Bunch, History Teacher
- John Paul Takacs, Math Teacher
- Hans Wolfe, Visual Arts Teacher
- Erik Playe, Director of College Counseling
- Dr. Ali Young, English Teacher
Additional advisement was provided by Dr. Bradley Hayes, Director of STEM Innovation and Institutional Research, with support from the Upper School faculty. The chapter also recognized the presence and support of Gabriel Ortega, Interim Head of School.
Service Impact
This year, members of the Ursa Major Chapter collectively completed 2,431 service hours — hundreds of afternoons, weekends, and evenings invested across tutoring, community partnerships, campus initiatives, and independent projects throughout Colorado Springs.
Before introducing the executive cabinet, Dr. Wells reflected on the meaning of the evening's rituals: the candle-lighting, the public pledge, the honor cords — symbols, he said, that carry real weight.
"This chapter does not exist simply to reward high grades," Dr. Wells said. "Scholarship is foundational, yes. But scholarship without character is hollow. Leadership without service is self-centered. Service without integrity is temporary. The genius of the National Honor Society lies in its insistence that these four pillars must stand together."
Executive Cabinet
2025–2026 Executive Cabinet
- President: Morgan H. '26
- Vice President: Meia A. '26
- Secretary & Treasurer: Dominique B. '26
- Historian: Xaia Z. '26
- Parliamentarian: Coltin B. '26
2026–2027 Executive Cabinet
- President: Melinda H. '27
- Vice President: Benjamin M. '27
- Secretary: Kimberly B. '27
- Treasurer: Ben Mc. '27
- Historian: Naomi W. '27
- Parliamentarian: Lawrence G. '27
The ceremonial candle lighting symbolized the transfer of leadership and the continued commitment to NHS values.
2026 NHS Inductees
Students selected for membership in January 2026 met rigorous standards in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The following students were formally inducted into the Ursa Major Chapter:
- Kimberly B. '27
- John E. '26
- Lawrence G. '27
- Phoebe H. '26
- Melinda H. '27
- Eloise K. '27
- Tristan K. '26
- Leo L. '27
- Ben Mc. '27
- Ben M. '27
- Wyatt N. '26
- Noah R. '26
- Jordan S. '27
- Hudson S. '26
- Sky W. '26
- Naomi W. '27
Each inductee received an NHS pin and certificate and publicly affirmed the NHS pledge, committing to uphold the four pillars in school and beyond.
Juniors presented the senior members with NHS Honor Cords to be worn at the Class of 2026 Commencement on May 19. The CSS Community is invited to attend.
NHS Awards & Recipients
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of special awards recognizing students who exemplify the ideals of NHS.
Leadership Award — Morgan H. '26
Dr. Wells presented the Leadership Award to NHS President Morgan H., recognizing a student whose leadership, in his words, has been defined not by volume but by consistency: showing up, following through, and holding the chapter to the standards NHS was built upon. He noted that Morgan's quiet strength — her ability to listen, build trust, and bring people together — had left the Ursa Major Chapter more unified and more purposeful than she found it.
"Morgan leads in the way that matters most. She shows up. She follows through. She sets a tone for this chapter that reflects the very ideals NHS was built upon: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. In her role as President, she has guided this chapter with clarity, responsibility, and purpose, ensuring that our work remains meaningful and that our standards remain high," Dr. Wells said. "She does not seek recognition, yet she earns it. She builds trust. She listens. She brings people together."
Scholarship Award — Meia A. '26
Dr. Wells presented the Scholarship Award to Vice President Meia A., describing a student whose intellectual integrity sets her apart, one who consistently chooses depth over ease, engages critically with material not merely to succeed on assessments but to understand it fully. He noted that Meia's scholarship extends beyond the classroom through her artwork, which lines the walls of his room and transforms literature into something vivid and alive, and through her leadership at the National Student Leadership Conference at Georgetown University, where she deepened her commitment to social justice. He also reflected on the warmth she brings to the classroom — shared conversations about literature, life, and the music of Otis Redding — as a reminder that her presence has made the community around her better.
"Meia's scholarship is not defined by grades alone, but by the care, curiosity, and creativity she brings to everything she does," Dr. Wells said. "She reads carefully, thinks critically, and engages fully with the material, not simply to succeed on assessments, but to understand the deeper meaning of what she studies. That kind of integrity in learning is rare, and it is the foundation of all true academic excellence. She leads not through volume or visibility, but through consistency, thoughtfulness, and example. Whether collaborating with peers, supporting service initiatives, or representing the chapter, she brings purpose and optimism to everything she does."
Service Award — Coltin B. '26 & Dominique B. '26
Dr. Wells presented the Service Award jointly to Parliamentarian Coltin B. and Secretary & Treasurer Dominique B., whose combined service hours total an extraordinary 709, the highest in the chapter. He described Coltin, who also serves as President of Forum, as a leader of principle and action whose service has always been focused not on hours logged but on people served. Dominique, he noted, brings remarkable breadth to her commitment — contributing through NHS, the Spirit Club, Student Forum, and Pikes Peak United Way — approaching every role with empathy, care, and a genuine desire to give back.
"Their 709 hours are not just a number," Dr. Wells said. "They are a reflection of countless moments of generosity, leadership, and compassion that have strengthened our school and our wider community. Coltin has consistently advocated for others with integrity and purpose. His service is not simply about hours logged, but about people served. He leads with a clear sense of responsibility to his community, always focused on how he can make things better for those around him. Dominique demonstrates an unwavering commitment to others. Her leadership is thoughtful and empathetic, and she approaches every role with care, attention, and a genuine desire to give back."
Character Award — Xaia Z. '26
Dr. Wells presented the Character Award to Historian Xaia Z., drawing on three years of teaching her — through European Literature, American Literature, and AP Literature and Composition — to offer an uncommonly personal portrait of a student whose character has been evident in everything from her thoughtful Friday journals to the way she shows up for the people around her. He described Xaia as an exceptional communicator — open, honest, and transparent in a way that builds trust and reflects a maturity rare at this stage. He noted her deep collaborative instinct, her ability to bring people together and help others succeed, and perhaps most strikingly, her resilience: when faced with challenges in her writing, she leaned in, sought feedback, embraced revision, and grew stronger.
"These qualities — integrity, responsibility, empathy, and perseverance — are the foundation of true character," Dr. Wells said. "They are also the qualities that define meaningful leadership. Xaia is a student who brings genuine curiosity and care to everything she does. She is open, honest, and responsible. She keeps her teachers informed, asks for help when she needs it, and shares in both her challenges and her successes. That kind of transparency builds trust, and it reflects a level of maturity that is rare at this stage. As a leader in our NHS chapter, Xaia models these values every day."
A Lasting Standard
Dr. Wells closed the ceremony by reminding inductees and continuing members alike that NHS membership is not a one-time honor but an ongoing commitment — one that asks students to choose the harder right over the easier wrong, to serve when it would be simpler not to, and to pursue learning for its own sake. Drawing on the Roman philosopher Seneca, he framed the four pillars not as classroom exercises but as training for citizenship and a lifetime of purposeful leadership.
"Inclusion in the National Honor Society is not an award you receive once," Dr. Wells said. "It is a standard you uphold repeatedly. It asks you to choose the harder right over the easier wrong. It asks you to serve when it would be simpler not to. It asks you to lead even when leadership requires discomfort. It asks you to pursue learning even when grades are not the reward."
Congratulations to the CSS members of the Ursa Major Chapter of the National Honor Society!
