CULLMAN, Ala. – Parents, students, faculty and staff gathered in the Abbey Church Thursday, Feb. 24 for a prayer service to celebrate 12 outstanding students as they were inducted into one of the oldest and most prestigious high school programs: The National Honor Society.
During the prayer service, President Fr. Joel Martin, O.S.B. addressed the students, saying, “Of course you want to make good grades and get admitted to the college you choose, but our purpose is much bigger than those—you are called to greatness.”
Fr. Joel encouraged students to make the purpose of being at St. Bernard a reality in their life. “We are here to know what is true, do what is good, and delight in what is beautiful,” Fr. Joel said, adding, “God is truth, goodness and beauty, and St. Bernard wants each of you to know, love and serve Him, accepting challenges, living and guided by others, using Gods gifts just as these students being honored today have.”
Fr. Joel concluded, “It’s a cool thing at St. Bernard to do what these students have done; you’ve helped make their achievement possible.”
Students recognized the four qualities exemplified in NHS—Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character—by lighting candles representing each. Natalie Garcia spoke about scholarship—the commitment to learning, Riley Holmes addressed service—establishing a routine of giving to others, Maddie McBride explained leadership—taking the initiative to train and aid others and Cole Bissot defined character—the personal commitment to moral and compassionate decision-making.
Each student was awarded a membership certificate and pin by Mr. Bond and Fr. Joel.
After accepting this honor, students pledged to maintain high scholastic standing, to hold as fundamental and worthy an untarnished character, to endeavor intelligently and courageously to be a leader and to give of themselves freely in service to others.
The National Honor Society is the nation’s premier organization recognizing outstanding high school students. More than just an academic honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the society since its beginnings in 1921.
Music was also presented by St. Bernard Choral music under the direction of Mrs. Ashley Russell, with support from Mr. Jonathan Farley, St. Bernard instrumental music. The event ended with the singing of the school’s Alma Mater and a blessing of all those in attendance.
