Merton Williams Middle School recently inducted 52 students into the Hilton Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. Dr. Barbara Surash, assistant superintendent for instruction, quoted Aristotle in her opening remarks. “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”
After the officers held the candle lighting ceremony and described the five characteristics of membership – scholarship, leadership, service and character – students were introduced, congratulated by administrators, received their pin, signed the registry, and together recited the oath.
The keynote speaker, Michael Ellicott, is a health teacher at Merton Williams. He advised students not to lose their grit and gave each student a small piece of sandpaper with a personal message written on the back to remind them to persevere and not forget what they’re made of.
Advisors Scott Meagher and Steve Cudzillo concluded the ceremony. “Stick with things through the hard time,” said Meagher. “There awaits a greater reward if you do.” Cudzillo thanked the parents for everything they’ve done to encourage the success of their children and the new inductees handed their parents a personal letter of thanks.
The new inductees are: Renee Angarano, Mackenzie Blackburn, Julia Cappiello, Alyssa Cavuoto, Kacie Coloney, Cameron Conolly, Samantha DeGrandis, Jordan DePetres, Alana DeRooy, Marina DiVasta, Sabryna Farsace, Thomas Foos, Loren Gizzi, Shauna Glavin, Chloe Graupman, Alexander Gunkel, Michael Healey, Carolyn Hilburger, Erika Hryhorenko, Maxwell Jamerson, Alyssa Juergens, Michael Laber, Keilei Latragna, Joseph Lipani, Victoria Maier, Julia Marino, Aaron Masters, William McDowell, Emily Melita, Samantha Minnehan, Zachary Mooney, Emma Neary, Emily Norton, Hailey Parsons, Maria Pentolino, Matthew Piato, Evan Pirnie, Hailey Popielarz, Jake Proud, Siena Saluzzo, John Schumacher, Lauryn Simmons, Katie Singleton, Isabelle Slater, Michael Speciale, Camryn Traeg, Linnea Tyrrell, Daniel Vay, David Wegman, Meghan Wido, Natalie Wright and Meredith Zachary.
Provided information and photo
