Sixty-one juniors joined the Queensbury High School Chapter of the National Honor Society in a ceremony Wednesday, March 20 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.
Queensbury High School Principal Andrew Snide called the ceremony a “significant milestone” in the students’ academic journey.
“It’s not merely a title you carry, but a responsibility that you’ll inherit — a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of scholarship and integrity throughout your lives, and at the heart of this responsibility is the concept of lifelong learning,” Snide said. “Queensbury strives to empower all students to be lifelong learners, inspired to pursue their dreams and contribute to the global community. That’s our mission statement, a direct connection to the four pillars of NHS.”
He encouraged the students to embrace every experience as an opportunity to grow, evolve and excel.
“It’s about recognizing that learning doesn’t end at high school,” he said, “but continues throughout your lives, shaping you into better individuals, leaders and contributors in society.”
Superintendent of Schools Kyle Gannon applauded the exceptional school involvement demonstrated by the students. He also lauded the parents who raised these “truly remarkable individuals.”
“They haven't merely existed within the confines of the classroom; they've embraced the whole experience,” Gannon said. “These young minds have actively participated in school activities, from academic competitions to community service projects. Their dedication to making a positive impact on our school community is truly notable.”
After members of the Chamber Orchestra played “A Prayer for Peace” by John William, 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 Lindsey Pepe presented the Award for Leadership to music teacher Gregory Verheyn, who provides a supportive, collaborative and encouraging environment.
“Positivity is a necessary trait for a leader to possess,” Lindsey said. “‘Positive’ is also the first word I would use to describe this teacher, whether it’s first block at 7:30 in the morning or 8:30 at night after conducting two-and-a half hours of our Chamber ensembles, he always has a smile on his face, excited to teach us something new.”
Secretary Amy Winchell presented the Award for Character to science teacher Crystal Johnson, who taught Amy to be passionate and positive.
“She’s the type of person to wear her heart on her sleeve, not only for the students in her class, but also for the ones who walk in the STEM hallway, as you’ve probably heard her singing,” Amy said. “How could that not put a smile on your face?”
NHS Treasurer Taye Spooner presented the Award for Service to social studies teacher Michael Burns, whom Taye called “one of the most outgoing teachers I’ve ever had.”
“You can truly tell that he loves what he does and wants the best for all his students,” Taye said. “I believe that Mr. Burns is the type of person who will never stop giving.”
President Carl Aguilar presented the Award for Scholarship to English teacher Jason Tenner, who is very detailed and goes the extra mile to ensure student success.
“For the last few weeks, he’s been helping some of the IB Year II students write what he considers to be the most challenging essay of the entire program,” Carl said. “He allocates time for individual meetings, so we can improve our essays, and despite the little time he has to read them, he gives very detailed feedback.”
At the close of the ceremony, Snide presented the Principal’s Leadership Award to senior Shiv Patel, a full International Baccalaureate student with a 98 average whom Snide called an “extremely conscientious student, who continually demonstrates his drive and desire to excel.”
National Honor Society students also conducted a PB&J drive during their ceremony, collecting more than 300 jars to donate to the district’s Snack Pack Program.