If one theme stood out at Wednesday’s induction ceremony for the newest members of the National Honor Society at Clarkstown South High School it was to remember to give back to the people who have helped you. 

Principal James Vitale urged the 2012 inductees to remember the people who whose contributions and efforts led to their successes. Students are considered for the Society based on their grades, extracurricular activities and community involvement. It was the 40^th induction of National Honor Society members at Clarkstown South.

District Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services Jeff Sobel noted their achievements are on several levels.

“We applaud your dedication to your studies and your dedication to your community,” he said.

The 92 new members of the Society join 63 current members.  Society President Shawn Varghese told them being a member of the society means upholding its values of scholarship, service, leadership and character.  To symbolize that point, officers of the society took turns lighting a candle for each of those principles.

Erik Zalite, corresponding secretary, lit the candle for leadership, and said, “The price of leadership is sacrifice.”

The newest members and current members all wore white robes. For the tapping ceremony marking their official entrance into the society, the inductees one by one signed their name in a book and received a light blue sash from one of the officers who had gold sashes bearing their titles.  The officers were: the president, vice president, recording secretary, treasurer, corresponding secretary, historian and parliamentarian. 

James Russell, the group's advisor, said when the officers discussed who the guest speaker should be, the overwhelming choice was Vice President Joshua Berg.

"If there was a person who lived out the motto of the society it was Josh Berg," said Russell.

Last summer, Berg had been critically injured by a grizzly bear while in Alaska. He spoke about that terrifying experience.  

While he waited for help to arrive, Berg said hundreds of thoughts raced his mind, one repeatedly, "Have I done enough?"

Berg spoke about the extraordinary commitment, compassion and dedication of those who helped to save his life and the enormous gratitude he has for them.

"It instilled in me a desire to serve my community, my country and give back to all those that have helped me along my journey," he said. (Watch the video of his speech.)

After the ceremony, students shared their excitement.

“We got a letter saying we had a GPA of 3.75 or higher,” said Amanda Oliveira.

She explained that was the first part of the process because all candidates had to provide information about their sports activities and community involvement for further consideration.

“I was kind of nervous if I would get in or not,” she said.

“We worked really hard,” said Rachel Harris.

This is just one of many shared experiences for the two teens from New City, who have been friends since kindergarten.

Daniel Weiner, also of New City, said it was an honor and one he sought to achieve as many of his friends had.

“A lot of the board members are close friends of mine,” he said.

Clarkstown North

Clarkstown North High School’s National Honor Society ceremony was held a week earlier. The inductees were:

Angela Alexander, Maggie Andresen, Katherine Andresen, Justin Apuzzo, Sam Askenas, Michael Barkachy, Jordan Bergenfeld, Christopher Boddy, Renata Brazee, Gregory Briker, Morgan Brill, Michael Burke, Alice Chang, Gia Chawala, Christy Cheruvil, Jake Cohen, Alana Corey, Faryn Corey, Louis DeLucia, Nicholas Demkiw, Jolie Denburg, Michael Dolan, Stephanie Duggan, Thomas Farro, Isabelle Fisher, Daniel Friedman, Daniel Gagliardi, Tomas Garchitorena, Christopher George, Jung Hoon Haam, Zachary Halle, Max Hattem, Justin Hong, Gabi Im, Colby Kash, Alexandra Kenney, Benjamin Kloenne, Joel Kovoor, Gabrielle Kraushaar, Alberta Kukaj, Danielle Kupperman, Joan Lee, Brian Lee, Lauren Lee, Amanda Levine, Darra Loganzo, Kory Majansky, Emily Mandel, Shawn Mathew, Brittany McManus, Emilia Naranjo, Celine Nicolas, Jenevieve Nutovits, Merin Panthapattu, Arianna Plante, Guido Porcelli, Courtney Regan, Christopher Roughan, Jake Salesky, Brandon Schnapper, Keith Selover, Kevin Sheldon, Emily Shiang, Caroline Silver, Ruby Silverstein, Leila Smiley, Steni Stephan, Samantha Streitman, Steven Tenzer, Joel Tom, Stephen Valvo, Rebecca Vayalumkal, Divya Viswanathan , Brian Vo, Jenna Weinstein, Caitlin Wolper, Sherry Wu, Maggie Yanowitz, Katherine Yao, Danielle Zolit