St. Joseph Academy held their National Honor Society induction ceremony on Feb. 15.
Families of the students gathered inside as they watched students get inducted and a little bit of the celebration also involved the parents towards the end of the ceremony.
As all members of the honor society walked the opening procession of the ceremony, the ceremony began with an opening prayer by Isabella Davis followed by welcome remarks by president Ty Powell. Scott DiGerolamo then gave a speech on the chapter model of the program. The chapter model was dedicated to Father Mychal Judge, who was a chaplain to the New York City Fire Department who tragically passed away in the Sept. 11 Attacks and was declared victim no. 0001, the first official fatality of the World Trade Center attacks, followed by a prayer for Father Mychal Judge.
“Like Saint Francis of Assisi, Father Mike touched many lives in a profound and unforgettable way. From firefighters, and recovering alcoholics, to those afflicted with AIDS. From the New York City cops to the homeless, he was a priest of the people; a priest of the streets. As pastor, he served two New Jersey parishes, both named after Saint Joseph. In education, he acted as the assistant to the president at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y.,” DiGerolamo recited from the speech.
The ceremony then presented the honor society membership qualifications by talking about the four pillars of the National Honor Society given by the executive officers. Powell began with the explanation of scholarship.
“They understand that learning takes effort and that understanding and judgment are rooted in knowledge. Being an NHS member strengthens your commitment to expand your curiosity and continue your journey towards becoming a lifelong learner,” Powell said.
Vice president Kyle Matro then talked about providing service, giving your time and using skills and talent for the benefit of the community.
“Service also fulfills one of our responsibilities as citizens. As a National Honor Society member, you will be presented with opportunities to deepen your understanding of ‘servant leadership’ and to grow your passion for helping others,” Matro said.
Secretary Olivia Woodward followed Matro by talking about leadership.
“Leadership is setting the example in your words and deeds to motivate others to follow. It is about engaging people while guiding their direction to a common goal. Effective leadership happens when you begin to know yourself as a leader and possess the essential skills necessary to lead. NHS members are leaders in and out of the classroom,” Woodward said.
Treasurer Jared DeMara concluded it by giving a speech on character.
“Measures of character lie in qualities such as responsibility, trustworthiness, caring and self-control. Being a member of NHS gives you the opportunity to role model quality characters and to be a positive influence on the character of others,” DeMara said.
The charter members of the honor society were introduced. As each member had their name called, a slideshow presentation featured each member as well as a quote by a faculty member praising the member and their accomplishments.
The charter members include as followed: Jenna Calchi, Richard Chandler, Zachary Cruet, Isabella Davis, Trevin DelGozzo, Jared DeMara, Scott DiGerolamo, Douglas Farinaccio, Grace Gonzalez, Macie Jacquet, Isabella Lewis, Julianna Marino, Andrew Martin, Kyle Matro, Elizabeth Mayo, Emily Patterson, Ty Powell, Alyssa Vogt, Ava Way and Olivia Woodward.
New members inducted into the National Honor Society are as followed: Robert Bartolone, Nola Byrne, Giavanna Fox, Kiana Keith, James Mantuano III, Nicholas Melchiore, Hunter Miduski, Cassidy Perri, Connor Perri, Megan Poloff, Gavin Steiner, Khalee Theopile, Kylie Tomlin, Anthony Ventresca and Jonathan White.
Each member received a pin and certificate from President and Head of School Stephen Cappuccio, who was handed the pin and certificate by Dean of Academics Mimi Vaccarella. After being acknowledged by both Cappuccio and Vaccarella as well as from Dean of College and School Counseling Michael Sherlock, each member signed off on the table.
Cappuccio then took the floor and noted that the ceremony would switch up a bit as he had all parents rise as well as the members. He encouraged those students to meet with their parents to have their pins inserted by the parents. Each student met with their parent, whom was met with gleeful and proud expressions by the parents to their children. The event then concluded with a presentation of the 2022 chapter of the National Honor Society by Cappuccio and then ending it with a prayer to St. Joseph and a reflection.