Hampton Bays High School hosted its annual National Honor Society Inductee Ceremony on April 11, 2024, highlighting the achievements of 14 new inductees. Founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the National Honor Society strives to give students the tools and information they need to become leaders in their communities, schools, and beyond.
The National Honor Society is based on four pillars: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. According to the application for the National Honor Society, members have to show leadership in the classroom and in arranging school events; engage in clubs, organizations, and school activities; exhibit the highest levels of integrity and dependability; and be a living example of the qualities of citizenship, justice, responsibility, respect, and caring,
Ms. Drohan has been the advisor for the Hampton Bays Chapter of the National Honor Society since 2012. To be considered a member of the National Honor Society in Hampton Bays High School, all juniors and seniors must earn a weighted grade point average of 91.5 or higher. Those who meet these criteria are eligible to complete a student form and submit it to Ms. Drohan.
When Ms. Drohan was in high school, she was a member of the Spanish National Honor Society which encouraged her to become the advisor as she knew what it took to be selected as a member. “I think it’s a very honorable and prestigious thing so I wanted to be able to experience that on the other end as the faculty advisor for the students.”
Additionally, if students don’t get selected at the end of junior year, a fall induction is available for seniors so they can put this achievement on their college resumes or for scholarship applications. Students have the opportunity to increase their leadership roles or add more hours to their community service.
The Induction of New Members Ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by junior Kaya Raynor which was then followed by Ms. Drohan welcoming guests and members. There were four readings given regarding the four pillars: Scholarship by Yusebeth Contreras and Emily Robinson, Leadership by Svetlana Datsyuk and Samantha Kraycar, Service by Eden Spellman and Sheidy Idrovo Carrera, and Character by Julia Brandes and Gianna Betta.
Principal Christopher Richardt and Superintendent Lars Clemensen recognized the 2023 inductees and now current members. Ms. Drohan then conducted the Presentation of New Members including Alex Bermudez, Julia Brandes, Zakaria Chami, Christopher Clinton, Yusabeth Contreras, Svetlana Datsyuk, Justin Guanga Suin, Andrea Jarrin, Julianne Palmiere, Joffre Proano Guarnizo, Kaya Raynor, Steisi Rojas Salazar, Lillianna Schmidt and Eden Spellman.
When asked what being a member of the National Honor Society felt like, Guanga Suin, a senior, stated, “I feel really proud and honored to be a part of such an important and well-known society. It’s a huge achievement that I’ve always wanted to achieve since entering high school.”
Bermudez, a junior, said, “The ceremony was honestly really formal and prestigious and it felt like probably one of the most formal things I’ve been a part of.”
Not only were students thrilled about being a part of an honorable organization but their parents who were there to witness the ceremony were as well. Luz Tenesaca, Bermudez’s mother, said, “I feel very proud.”
Ms. Drohan encourages interested students to apply and complete the student information form because there is no limit to how many members can join the Hampton Bays National Honor Society. “ If a student is deserving of that recognition they’re selected as members by the faculty. There’s no limit…there’s no maximum.”
