As I sat in the auditorium at Southern Boone High School last Sunday afternoon, watching my daughter Tiana and her classmates being inducted into National Honor Society, I recognized most of the masked faces of the new inductees. These were the same kids I taught nearly a decade ago, back when I started substitute teaching at Southern Boone Primary School. They were second graders then, but now they are sophomores in high school, and I don’t know how I feel about that.
Because of Covid-related social-distancing measures and virtual this, that, and everything else, I haven’t seen most of Tiana’s classmates in well over a year. Imagine my surprise when I looked up and saw a parade of actual giants crossing the stage during the induction ceremony. It was jarring to see a group of people I remember as eight-year-old children suddenly looking like fully-grown adults.
Of course, their growth has been more than physical. While Principal Dale Van Deven and the current members of NHS spoke about the four pillars on which membership in the organization is based, I thought about how this year’s inductees exemplified those values of Leadership, Character, Service, and Scholarship required of every member. Let me tell you, the young people who crossed that stage last Sunday have grown into outstanding human beings.
Among them are members of FFA, 4-H, scouting, boys’ and girls’ sports (including state champions in soccer), and many other organizations. They serve their school and community as volunteers and mentors, they lead on the playing field and in the classroom, and they demonstrate great character wherever they go.
Yes, members of NHS must have a high grade point average, but Scholarship is more than just a good report card. A true scholar is someone who loves learning both in and out of the classroom. The 43 inductees who took their membership oaths Sunday are intelligent, curious, and determined. Their love of learning will carry them far in life.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention that it wasn’t justsophomores who were invited to join NHS this year. Several deserving members of the junior class were also inducted, and in a separate ceremony, members of the junior and senior classeswho did not get to participate in an induction ceremony last year due to the Covid shutdown were also honored for their accomplishments. Congratulations to all the members of SoBoCo High School’s chapter of National Honor Society. Your parents and your community are very proud of you.
And on a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate my daughter Tiana as well.
Your mom and I are so, so proud of you, T. We both know how hard you work—at everything you do. Being born with cerebral palsy means that nothing comes easy for you, yet you never let anything stop you from accomplishing your goals. Over the years, we have learned never to bet against you. With your determination, you will achieve whatever your heart desires.
With that being said, give yourself a break once in a while. Enjoy being a kid while you still can. Try to spend as much time enjoying your friends and family as you spend working on your homework. And as strong and brave as you are, remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
Leadership, Character, Service, and Scholarship. You embody those four pillars as well as anyone, Tiana. Every day of your life, you make the world a better place—just by being you. Your mom and I are so lucky to be your parents, and we love you more than you will ever know.
Once again, congratulations to all of the outstanding young people who were invited to join National Honor Society. You will accomplish great things as you continue to grow as human beings, of that there is no doubt. Those of us who have had the privilege of watching you become the leaders of tomorrow ask only one favor of you: wherever you go in life, please don’t forget where you came from.
We are Southern Boone.
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