The Columbus School ́s National Honor Society conducted its annual initiation ceremony for 18 new members in the Upper Elementary Coliseum on October 22.

Parents and teachers attended the ceremony which was held in front of the entire high school for the first time in 20 years. High School Principal Juan David Lopez and Superintendent Ruth Allen congratulated the 10th, 11th, and 12th graders for their outstanding work and success.

“NHS was established to recognize outstanding young people and support them in the pursuit of academic and personal success. It aims to create enthusiasm for studies, stimulate the desire to serve, promote leadership and develop character in high school students.” Alejandro Escobar, NHS president, said.

The National Honor Society, founded in 1921 in the United States by the National Association of High School Directors, was established to recognize outstanding youth and support them in the pursuit of academic and personal success. In the ceremony, NHS officers congratulated the new members of 2019 and showed the school the importance of their actions.

“Based on the four pillars, the national honor society has recognized students who have excelled in these areas since the early twentieth century. Today, we congratulate the 18 people behind me because they have demonstrated their devotion to these principles during their years at school.” Escobar said.

NHS is based on 4 pillars which are leadership, character, service and academic excellence. They are currently working on a variety of projects, some of which are: Heroe Camina, mental health day, and work alongside the school’s foundation. All of these projects are developed with the goal of cultivating local and global citizenship through service projects that have a positive impact on the community.

“This year we are going to give a lot of focus to the project Heroe Camina. It’s a project in which we are teaching english to the soldiers of Colombia. I think this is really important because as Columbus School students we know a lot of english and we are giving back by teaching it to the soldiers.” Camila Ceballos, NHS member, said.

According to the NHS website, more than one million students worldwide participate in NHS activities. The NHS membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

“I really think we are giving back and that it’s creating a positive impact because we are not only giving money or teaching english, but we are constantly and sustainably making projects that are helping society become a better place.” Ceballos said.