A record number of students were recently approved for induction as probationary members of the National Honor Society. At a Nov. 18 ceremony a total of 24 juniors and seniors were inducted.

In past years the ceremony was held in the Little Theater, but due to the large number of students being approved, more space was needed; therefore, the ceremony was held at St. Boniface Church.

The following juniors were selected as probationary members: Meera Montesdeoca, Adriana Gibson, Melanie Lewis, Columani Stoney, Takeisha Findlay, Tyler Perez, Danica Luc, Tamara Boodie, Krystal Maldonado, Tasha Joachim, Zari Havercome, Jenny Balaguer, Valiette Guillaume, Astrid Alonzo, Emmanuela Vaught, Mildreht Esquivel, Christine Gonzalez, Ariel Benoit and Briana Cintron. The following seniors were also approved: Schae Lewis, Sascha Lewis, Marlene Tejada, Cristina Perez and Louise Comberland.

These girls have done more than just make the honor roll at school. They have displayed an outstanding performance in areas such as scholarship, service, leadership, and character. In order to be a part of the National Honor Society, students must follow such criteria.

During the ceremony, candles of scholarship, service, leadership and character were lit as the probationary members who were inducted last year explained what the candles represented.

Due to the large amount of students, the placement of the NHS collar was divided into two sections. As S. Joan placed the collars on the new members they wore proud smiles on their faces.

Ms. Martinez, a St. Joseph alumnae as well as the current English teacher, spoke at the ceremony. She spoke to the girls and their families about school and what hard work she put forward in order to get where she is now as a successful teacher. She also gave words of encouragement and inspiration to the girls.

Zari Havercome, an 11^th grade inductee, said she has made sure to do well and keep her grades up. Zari mentioned that she is very excited to be a part of such an elite organization. But she was not the only one excited; her parents were also enthusiastic and extremely proud of her accomplishment. "She does it all by herself, we don’t have to push her," said Zari’s mother. Her father said her allowance will now increase.

Senior Cristina Perez was also excited. "I am very happy and this is an extreme accomplishment for me," she said.

The new inductees join the following senior probationary members, who were inducted last year: Daniella DeJesus, Jailene Ruiz, Kristeen Saint Laurent, Elena Cruz, Bociana Plaisimond, Shyan Lovell and Adriana Munoz. At the end of the third marking period a final evaluation will be held which will determine if the senior probationary members will be permanently inducted at the graduation ceremony in June.

Shyan Lovell feels that the National Honor Society is a reward for all her hard work during her years at SJHS. She offers advice to students striving to become a part of the National Honor Society. "You must have good punctuality, be assertive and do your work," she said.