An Evening of Excellence

October 12, 2009  
Filed under News

On Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 7p.m., the Ottawa High School Renaissance Program and National Honor Society joined together for an evening of excellence to honor students.

“Beforehand, I met with the sponsors and officers, and we practiced the script, so there wasn’t much preparation for the ceremony,” said Holly Guge, senior and NHS President.

NHS members kicked off the night by speaking to the juniors and seniors to be initiated into the National Honor Society about the colors, flag and symbols. Each student invited to join was then called up and given a candle to hold while reciting the National Honor Society motto. After blowing out their candles, the 39 students officially became members of NHS.

“It was a great honor to become a member of NHS, because you have to have good grades and be active in the school,” said Corbin Goedert, who was the only senior present at initiation.

Junior Andrew Fangman, who was another NHS initiate, agreed and said it was nice to be noticed for his hard work and it will look good on a resume for college.

Qualifications to become an NHS member include having a cumulative GPA of 3.6 and you must be involved in at least one activity in school.

“This year, senior NHS members came up with the idea to have a community service meeting once a month. Hopefully this will help us to get more involved in the school. I am really excited for this year and hopefully it will make the club more enjoyable and successful,” said Guge.

The second part of the night was to honor students with GPAs from 3.5 to a 4.0 with the Renaissance program. Mrs. Natasha Jenkins and Mrs. Bethany Hofemier talked about the new Renaissance cards. When each student was called up for their grades, they received an academic “O” for a letter jacket or a pin if they had already received one. In addition to having a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, letter recipients must also have no office referrals or points.

“Students become more motivated by positive reinforcement,” Mrs. Natasha Jenkins said about why the renaissance program is being rebuilt. “I wish that there was a larger diversity of students, but it was a good learning experience.”

After the ceremony had ended, everyone was invited to stay for cookies and punch. Although the night did not last very long, it was a night to recognize some students at Ottawa High School who work hard and go above and beyond what is expected of them.

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Angela Geist

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