Thirty-five students from Buckhannon-Upshur High School were inducted as new members of the National Honor Society in a ceremony held at the school this month Members were selected by the chapter’s Faculty Council for meeting high standards of scholarship, leadership, service and character.

Students inducted include the following:

Nathaniel Beer; Leighann Bennett; Rondon Caesar, Jr.; Kayla Carlyle; Dawson Carpenter; Jordan Cutright; Emily Fox; Morgan Goodman; Johnelle Goss; Kalen Harley; Emma Hicks; Ashton Hollen; Kristen Johnston; Logan Kelley; Kayla Knabenshue; Payton Knicely; Jessica Lane; Logan Leigh; Kennedi Lewellyn; Makenzi Lewellyn; Merrody Malone; Brooklyn Maxwell; Breanna Morgan; Grace Morris; Emma Reger; Austin Russell; Johnna Smith; Isaac Stankus; Allison Tenney; Abigail Vincent; Samuel Walker; Madison Wamsley; Jonathan Warner; Caitlyn Wendling; Kassidy Wilfong 

Advisor, Brittany Barlett noted, “This is my second year as advisor, and I couldn’t be more proud of the exemplary behavior displayed by the returning members throughout the year and in preparation for the induction ceremony, and look forward to continued excellence from the students inducted today. I have had most of them as students before and they are well deserving of this honor. They are truly leaders in our school.” 

Superintendent, Dr. Sara Stankus congratulated students and their families for a “job well done.”  She shared with students the importance of learning to fail, and how this actually builds their character and helps them to develop what she called “grit” — a mental toughness or courage that leads to perseverance. 

Stankus explained that, “Grit is our passion and perseverance toward reaching long-term goals while resilience is the optimism to keep bouncing back from failure.  Both of these traits are important for success in life.” 

She encouraged students to “pursue their interests. Find something that fascinates them! Practice, practice, practice. Get a little better every day. Connect to a higher purpose. Ask yourself how you are helping other people. Cultivate hope and surround yourself with ‘gritty people!'”

The Buckhannon-Upshur High School chapter has been active since 1950.  Each year the chapter sponsors service projects for the school and community and assists other programs and events by volunteering service hours.

The National Honor Society ranks as one of the oldest and most prestigious national organizations for high school students.  Chapters exist in more than 15,000 high schools and, since 1921, millions of students have been selected for membership.

The ceremony ended with a reception for students and their families.