On Thursday, March 13th, Fort Hamilton’s National Honor Society inducted 153 new members. The ceremony celebrated students’ embodiment of the organization’s four pillars: scholarship, leadership, service and character. The event, which was held in the auditorium, featured oaths, heartfelt speeches, and a shared commitment to community impact, marking a milestone for students and faculty alike.
The ceremony opened with a candle-lighting ritual, each flame symbolizing NHS’s four pillars. New members recited oaths pledging dedication to service. Senior Leo Zhong, NHS President, described the evening as “a magical experience to have helped new juniors and seniors join a wonderful organization,” emphasizing the pride of welcoming peers into the organization.
Fellow E-Board member Sara Elazab echoed this sentiment, reflecting on her journey from nervous applicant to leader.
“On installation night, I couldn’t help but reflect on how we were all just juniors nervous for our interviews, but now here we were ready to present for the ceremony,” she said. “It was just such a full-circle moment that reminded me how fast life goes by and that you have to take advantage of every opportunity given to you so you don’t miss the beautiful moments in between.”
Principal Houlihan, who shook hands with each inductee as they received their certificates, emphasized NHS’s role in shaping young leaders. Faculty advisor, Mr. Sosa, echoed the sentiment, reflecting on the ceremony’s emotional resonance.
“I think you can really hear the sincerity [in their voices as they took their oaths], even though it’s in the words that they’re repeating,” he said.
To conclude the ceremony, NHS Vice President Alexander Fotakos introduced Ms. Nancy Tiedemann as this year’s honorary member for her dedication to Fort Hamilton High School within both the social studies department and the community that surrounds it.
Induction into the National Honor Society demands a cumulative GPA of 90, ten hours of service to the school, ten hours of community service, and participation in two NHS events. This is followed by a rigorous interview that assesses students’ character and leadership.
“We’re really looking to see how each candidate demonstrates character, scholarship, leadership, and service through their interview,” Mr. Sosa said.
Preparing the ceremony required weeks of coordination. The E-Board, faculty advisors and staff collaborated on everything from speechwriting to logistics.
“There’s a lot of different people collaborating: Mrs. Kritikos, Mrs. Maratos, the E-Board, and I; we’re all working together to build the ceremony,” Mr. Sosa said. “Open lines of communication are really important and also having clear expectations or requirements facilitates the process.”
For E-Board members, the ceremony marked both an endpoint and a new beginning. Leo Zhong, whose journey began with church volunteer work, told The Pilot how the NHS perfected and improved his leadership skills.
“I have always been thought of as someone who will just get things done which means that I wasn’t as powerful in my capabilities in communicating my actions or intent to others,” he said. “I credit my improvement in this aspect to my increased readings of Cicero and my practice as President.”
NHS’s partnerships with local organizations like the New Utrecht Reformed Church for cemetery cleanups and the Merchants of Third Avenue connect students in Bay Ridge. Elazab recalled her favorite memories during her time in the NHS.
“Some of my favorite memories are weeding at cemetery cleanups, serving food at St. Michael’s Soup Kitchen, and serving syrup butter at an annual community pancake breakfast,” she said. “All events allow you to interact with your community and peers and have these meaningful experiences that you couldn’t get through any other organization.”
This spring, NHS will host three scholarship fundraisers: the Joseph Graffagnino Bowling Night, Michael Zervos’s Egg Hunt, and Edward Nogay Faculty-Student Volleyball Tournament. These events, alongside continued collaborations with community organizations, aim to strengthen community ties while funding future student opportunities.
Members of the E-Board and Sosa shared their wisdom for incoming members.
“Participate in events that interest [you] and [don’t] only provide service to [your] community but also make valuable friendships which is a valuable skill to have,” Zhong said.
“Take advantage of the joy that being in NHS has to offer. Sooner or later, you’re going to feel the weight of a looming graduation and when you get there you’re going to have wanted to savor every moment,” Elazab said. “Make the most out of the events. Go with your friends. Be excited about a tutoring assignment and understand what being a tutor means to a person. Admire the halls as you hang up vocabulary posters. Understand that if you’re in NHS, you worked hard to get there, so you should make the most out of every moment because that’s what you’re there for.”
“Even if it’s just to get into NHS, [getting involved] is beneficial for a student for so many reasons beyond NHS. So, get involved,” Mr. Sosa said.
