“It is an honor to congratulate all of our new and second year members and their parents. Your achievements in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Community Service, and Character are being honored here today by your induction into this respected society. An honor such as this is a wonderful way for the school and community to recognize and celebrate the choices, and sometimes the sacrifices, you have made. But I believe that what should make you and your parents the most proud is not the actual honor itself, but what you had to do to get it. This honor recognizes the hard work you have done so far, and supports all of the goals and dreams you have yet to accomplish. It’s a means of support as each of you continues to strive towards your highest goals.
The four requirements for membership in which you have excelled: scholarship, leadership, community service, and character were not chosen at random. They are characteristics that will help one create a fulfilled and fulfilling life. The most important thing to remember is that each of these characteristics is the sum of many individual decisions. They embody a positive attitude backed by purpose. The only way to achieve your purpose is to take small actions everyday. In the end, they all add up. My hope for you, and every student, is that you will promote this positive attitude in your own life.
Scholarship is much more than just getting straight As. It is a passion for learning. In the end it is a sum of small choices. Each time you decide you WANT to learn something, the experience will be so rewarding that the next time becomes easier. The knowledge can still be hard to gain, but knowing you've mastered a difficult subject is an awesome reward. Suddenly the world around you becomes richer, and full of learning opportunities.
Leadership is not about being elected or appointed to an office. The office does not teach someone how to be a leader. Leadership is an attitude that is learned over time. Are you one to stand up for what you believe in even when it’s not popular? Do you have a purpose and follow that purpose to get the ends you desire? Do you have a vision? Do you have the integrity to admit when you’re wrong, and make it right? These are all questions that true leaders answer with a strong ‘yes’. Each small decision you make will take you one step closer. Remember the goal of leadership is not to gain power, but to get your vision and your purpose across while also being respectful to those around you.
Community service, to some, may seem like just an unfortunate inconvenience, to others, a waste of time on a Saturday morning. But is that true community service? Community service is an attitude one has about their community. Doing a service for the right reasons can be very fulfilling and give one a sense of pride. It’s about looking back and realizing that you did something worthwhile and that you helped a fellow citizen in some way. It’s doing something meaningful for another person or group who may be unable to do it themselves, and it makes your community a better place.
Finally, character. If there is any one thing that is evidenced by your daily choices it is your character. I truly believe this quote, "The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out." What do you do when no one's around? The teacher steps out of the room for a moment while you are taking a test after school. You know exactly where to find the answer. Do you look? With a minimal chance of being caught!? Your answer to this question is the key to your true character. For while being honest and honorable when others are watching is important, being true to yourself and having the integrity make good choices in any situation is what will define you as a person. In the end, these private day-to-day decisions will eventually reveal your true character to the world. All in all, are making the tough choices worth it? Yes. While it would be easier to slide through life without a purpose, or without values, it would not be fulfilling. Only by setting challenging goals and achieving them can we find true self-worth. And remember, each person's goals are different, and what comes easy to one may be difficult for another. Therefore, do not squash others' dreams. This is a surefire way to know that you aren't working towards fulfilling your own.
In conclusion, I am happy to congratulate you all for this honor. You are surrounded by many people who support you and your future ventures. Take full advantage of all the opportunities you are given.” ~Michelle Dormann
Congratulations National Honor Society members and thank you, Mrs. Dormann!
-Dr. Paula Sissel
[email protected]
Garden County Schools
Superintendent/Elementary Principal