Seventy-seven juniors joined the Queensbury High School Chapter of the National Honor Society in a ceremony Wednesday, March 19 at Queensbury High School.
To be considered, students must achieve a grade point average for the first five semesters of high school of 89.5 or higher while challenging themselves with rigorous coursework. They also have to be active participants in both the school and community. When faculty members evaluate applications, they consider academic accomplishments, leadership, character and service backgrounds of each student.
“This is one of our largest inductions of students that we’ve had in quite some time,” said QHS Principal Andrew Snide, “and we’re certainly proud of all of you.”
Snide reminded the students that being a member of the National Honor Society is not just about recognition — it’s about the responsibility that comes with it.
“It is about influence, action and the ability to make an impact no matter where you stand,” Snide said. “You don’t have to wait for a leadership role to step up and inspire change. Each of you has the power to lead right now in your classrooms, on your teams and in your communities.”
These students have not only excelled in their studies, but also have led by example, demonstrating leadership, good character and a willingness to help others, said Superintendent of Schools Kyle Gannon.
“I am excited to see all of the amazing things you will do in the future,” Gannon said. “Thank you to all the teachers and families who have supported these students every step of the way. Your encouragement has helped them get to this point.”
After members of the Chamber Orchestra played Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik,” NHS officers presented teachers with awards for demonstrating the four pillars of NHS (service, leadership, character, and scholarship) inside and outside the classroom.
Vice President Cayla Hoskins-Pfieffer presented the Award for Leadership to art teacher Heather Wright. Treasurer Lola Leonard presented the Award for Character to math teacher Tim Ciampa. Secretary Meredith Clark presented the Award for Service to coach Bob Jones. President Jaonie Quema presented the Award for Scholarship to school counselor Colleen Cowper.
At the close of the ceremony, Snide presented the Principal’s Leadership Award to senior Chase Baker, a full International Baccalaureate student, who is president of the senior class, a member of the varsity basketball and lacrosse teams, and involved in Math Club, Spanish Honor Society, Key Club, Jazz Band, Future Business Leaders of America and the Academic Bowl.
“On and off campus, he continues to be an outstanding performer,” Snide said. “He’s approachable, he’s kind and he has a keen sense of humor while also striving for excellence.”
The juniors inducted into National Honor Society are: Jacopo Accardo, Mia Afsar-Keshmiri, Brooke Anderson, Raphael Angelucci, Evan Baird, Averi Belanger, Hannah Blanchard, Allison Bleyenburg, Jessica Brooks, William Brown, Madeline Buck, Roxanne Chen, Peyton Conway, Miles DeJohn, Lindsey Deyette, Madelyn Dinsmore, Christopher DiPlacido, Josefine Dubarry, Margaret Durling, Christopher Giambrone, Colin Giumarra, Ava Goertzen, Karleigh Gordon, Ryan Greenstein, Alden Guay, Daniel Habshi, Kaylee Hatch, Hayden Hochsprung, Norah Hunt, Rub Janssen, Joshua Jenkin, Lucci Jiang, Quinn Jones, Liam Kerr, Alexander Kittell, Alexis Knill, Deanna Lamkins, Sydney Lamy, Tristan Lane, Faith Lawani, Carson Lindsell, Eamon Linehan, Finley Magee, Gianna Marcantoni, Annabelle Martin, Jaidah McMaster, Colin MeKeel, Marina Muldner, Olivia Murray, Tessa Murray, Madelyn Orta, Frank Ovitt, Eleanor Paigo, Susan Parker, Zoe Peterson, Madison Picca, Cameron Porter, Oliver Pratt, Finley Purvis, Drew Roberts, Tanner Roode, Julia Ross, Emily Sassaman, Hannah Scherer, Caitlin Scott, Emma Seaton, Cole Sheerer, Nathan Sheerer, Madison Smith, Adam Spero, Mallery Spooner, Carter Stanclift, Skylar Swan, Kira Turner, Cooper Young, Chloe Zhao and Emily Zheng.