Golda Och’s National Honor Society L’Mad Chapter welcomed the 11 new members during a meaningful induction ceremony this winter.
The event highlighted the core values of the NHS through tefillah service, a candle lighting ceremony and speeches by NHS Advisor Mrs. Smith and NHS President Ashton Weiss.
The ceremony opened with a tefillah service led by senior Henry Sacks, setting a reflective tone for the event.
This was followed by a candle lighting ceremony where each candle represented the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character.
A scholarship candle emphasized a commitment to learning, diligence and intellectual growth. It reminded the inductees of their commitment to learning and their responsibility to continue to expand their knowledge.
The service candle, lit by junior Jude Ornstein, represented selflessness and dedication to community without the expectation of recognition.
“Lighting the service candle at the induction ceremony highlighted the hard work that got me into the NHS and my dedication to community service. Volunteering at my local food pantry is something I truly care about, and being chosen made me feel proud of what I was a part of,” said junior Jude Ornstein.
The leadership candle, lit by senior Chloe Weinstein, reflected initiative and responsibility. It reminded members that leadership is sacrifice and putting the needs of the group over personal desires.
The final candle represented character. Lit by junior Mia Eskin, this candle highlighted the importance of integrity, respect and moral strength reinforcing the core values of the NHS and the idea that character is built through daily action.
Following the candle lighting ceremony, NHS President Ashton Weiss addressed the inductees, reflecting on the responsibility that comes with being an NHS member.
“NHS isn’t about titles, prestige or lines on a résumé. It’s about community and showing up for one another and for the people around us who need support. It’s about using our strengths, not just academically, but personally, to make a difference in causes that matter to us,” said senior Ashton Weiss.
NHS advisor Mrs. Smith also spoke, congratulating the NHS members on their actions that brought them to this point, and reiterated the importance of upholding the NHS’s values.
The celebration concluded with a brunch in the Ulam for both existing NHS members, faculty, new members and parents.
Congratulations to all the inductees: Violet Berman, Mia Eskin, Sagan Shapiro, Jude Ornstein, Tali Herbert, Lyla Smith, Morgan Sternthal, Noah Stoch, Sabrian Sturchio, Chloe Weinstein and Layla Sharret.
“I am so proud of all of my peers for their hard work that got them here! The induction ceremony was really meaningful and brought us all together to celebrate each other’s achievements,” said junior Mia Eskin.
