CARIBOU, Maine — The Caribou National Honor Society held its annual induction ceremony on Friday, Nov. 22, at the Caribou Performing Arts Center, inducting 17 new members to the organization.
Chapter President Shelby Barnes welcomed guests as they stood for the national anthem, and discussed the importance of the National Honor Society before new members were inducted.
“Members of this chapter are more than just good grades and good performance in school,” she said. “The members of the National Honor Society are well rounded individuals that contribute to their families, their school and their community.”
As an example, Barnes explained that the Caribou NHS has assisted with numerous events and activities throughout the year, including the Caribou Marathon, Maine Special Olympics, the festival of trees, academic night and an annual food drive.
Caribou High School Principal Travis Barnes leads newly inducted National Honor Society members in taking a pledge during a Nov. 22 ceremony at Caribou High School. Pictured behind him are, from left, Alex Picard, Alaina Quinlan, Heather DeMerchant and Isaac Marker.
(Chris Bouchard)
Newly inducted members from the Class of 2020 are Heather DeMerchant, Jacob Doebner, Isaac Marker and Gregory McEndarfer; from the Class of 2021, Carter Belanger, Felicia Blackstone, Sage Dubay, Jordan Duplessie, Malachai Willey, Brady Miller, Brooke Moir, Alex Picard, Alaina Quinlan, Edie Shea, Abigail St. Peter, Anna Thibodeau and Cody Waldemarson.
With 18 members before Friday’s induction, the Caribou National Honor Society now consists of 35 members. Those who were members before the Friday ceremony are Jacob Berkoski, Madison Stratton, Hayden Hunter, Cullin Caverhill, Alya Theriault, Owen Martin, Paige Espling, Abigail Wimmer, Emma Stewart, Ethan Holmquist, Alex Bouchard, Kimberlee Susi, Victoria Leavitt, Parker Deprey, Abbey Violette, Taylor Skidgel, Emma Hixon and Nate Pitre. All aforementioned members are of the Class of 2020.
NHS officers each described the “four pillars” of the organization after the induction.
Vice President Abigail Wimmer described the “pillar of character.”
Members of the Caribou National Honor Society surprised Advisor Valerie Waldemarson with a flower basket during a Nov. 22 induction ceremony at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.
(Chris Bouchard)
“Character is often described as doing the right thing,” Wimmer said, “but it is more than what a person does; it is who they are. Character is defined on the quiet moments when no one is watching, and a decision has to be made between right and wrong. It is speaking up for justice even when the words being spoken are unpopular, and focusing on values rather than appearance. At the end of the day, what we look like and how much we achieve means only as much as the level of character that we base our choices upon.”
Recording Secretary Victoria Leavitt described the “pillar of scholarship.”
“A scholar isn’t solely a student with the highest GPA,” Leavitt said. “They are characterized by their desires to be thorough, accurate and organized. A scholar strives to learn both inside and outside the classroom. They realize that knowledge is the only way we can progress and will stop at nothing to become satisfied with their achievements. Scholarship is a quality developed with much determination and willpower. Scholarship takes time and is something that must not be overlooked.”
Corresponding Secretary Alya Theriault explained the “pillar of leadership.”
“Leadership is something greater than a title,” Theriault said. “It is not just handed over or proclaimed. It’s a mindset. A great leader sees the truth in those around them and feels the need to empower. Those who are leaders find themselves to blame when success is not achieved. They’re the first to feel that they could have done better, even when victory is felt. Leaders are more than just the captain of a sports team or a president of a club or organization. They are the people that make things happen and contribute in ways that are best for all.”
17 new members were inducted into the Caribou National Honor Society on Nov. 22 in the Caribou Performing Arts Center, bringing the total number of members up to 35.
(Chris Bouchard)
And Executive Committee Member Parker Deprey gave a description of the “pillar of service.”
“Service is considered to be the actions taken by another which are done on behalf of others,” said Deprey, “but with no material or financial form of compensation. Service is one of the greatest gifts you can give to others, but there’s also no feeling quite like the deep satisfaction of providing a service to your community. Service is any contribution of time and effort which are done without the desire for accolades, but instead are done in an attempt to improve the community.”
Caribou High School Principal then asked newly inducted members to take the NHS pledge.
Before the ceremony’s conclusion, NHS President Shelby Barnes presented a gift of a flower basket to National Honor Society Adviser Valerie Waldemarson.
“[Waldemarson] has taken on so many responsibilities here at Caribou High School,” said Barnes. “She runs the National Honor Society, Jobs for Maine Graduates, and the Key Club. Every day she continues to better us as students.”
Families were then invited to take photos of new members before the induction concluded for the night.
