Congratulations to the newest members of the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapter of National Honors Society! Ten students were formally inducted at our recent ceremony. This induction traditionally took place in the spring but it was deemed more appropriate to move it to the fall. Doing so will allow new NHS members more of the school year to embrace the mission. It also gives aspiring future candidates a greater opportunity to achieve eligibility for next year.
Mr. Bean began the event with a reflection on the value of small things. The most important moments in life often remain unnoticed by the wide world, yet their goodness remains essential.
"There is so much in the world that inclines us to focus only on the big things and the powerful things that win people honor and fame. But God does not work this way! He is found in the small things and in the humble things: in a little manger outside Bethlehem, eating with sinners and the sick, and dying on the cross. Our attention belongs there, and our attention belongs here. This ceremony may not mean much in the eyes of the world, but in God's eyes it is much more significant." - Mr. Bean
Inductees:
Warren Bugbee, 26'
Mia Cahill, 25'
Amelia Caravan, 25'
Maria Fraioli, 26'
Melody Heacock, 25'
Grace Holliston, 25'
Will Kalpakgian, 26'
Leah LaMothe, 26'
Lucy Lee, 26'
Brendan Rose-Fish, 26'
Here are some excerpts from the student speeches:
“I want to encourage our younger students; especially those here today to remember that you're not far from this opportunity yourselves, so focus on your future. Build habits of virtue, be outgoing, and always try your hardest even if you are the only one. You are the future of our school, so lead with courage.” -Marianne Dowsett, speaking about leadership.
“None of us have perfect character, but we are all trying to do what Jesus would do. That, most importantly, shows the quality of a person’s character. If we treat our classmates with love and respect as Jesus would, it shows that we have strong character.” -Isabelle Nadeau, speaking about character.
“The love we have for our neighbor is not simply a general feeling, it is an active and sacrificial love. When we serve others, it is not only the receiver who benefits. Oftentimes, the person who benefits the most is the one performing the act of service.” -Maddie Gawlick, speaking about service.
“NHS members see why it is important to pursue academic excellence because of what may come of it. Our pursuit of knowledge is paramount for developing our society, our knowledge of what is true, and learning new ideas or concepts.” -Gabriel Lambrecht, speaking about scholarship.