Philanthropy Chair, Sofia Shilleh lights the candles. Photo by Portraits USA.
Fort Hamilton’s National Honors Society held its annual installation ceremony on the evening of Thursday, March 16, 2023. The installation ushered in a new start for juniors and seniors, allowing them to make an impact on the school community and have a chance to learn from their NHS experiences.
The installation ceremony celebrated over 100 students, including returning senior members, new junior and senior members, and the NHS Executive Board members. Families gathered into the auditorium to watch their loved ones be inducted and happily walk across the stage to receive their certificate.
As the students entered, they walked around a dark auditorium, to elegant piano music (played by senior Yezen Braick), in a magnificent display, holding lit candles in honor of becoming an NHS member. The audience stood for the color guard and for a performance of the national anthem, sung by senior Julia Miranda. The ceremony continued with a speech from Principal Houlihan and a speech to the NHS members and the current NHS executive board members, by the NHS advisor, Mr. Justin Sosa.
Toward the end of the evening, the NHS executive board presented the Honorary Member award to Mr. Samir Nehme to commend his dedication to the school community. NHS Vice President Olympia Ascher gave a speech filled with effusive personal anecdotes and reflections on Mr. Nehme’s unique teaching style and compassionate attitude toward his students. Students and staff members erupted in applause when Mr. Nehme’s name was announced and he walked up stage to claim his award and flowers.
The installation ceremony concluded symbolizing a new year for new NHS members and signaled the end of a magnificent year for the NHS. Because of the amazing efforts made by the NHS executive board members and their advisor, Mr. Sosa, the installation ceremony was a success as it brought in a new cohort of members to its community.
“Being a part of the NHS E-Board has been the most accomplishing thing I’ve done in high school,” said Installation Chair Scarlett Wong. “I am tremendously proud of my E-Board, Mr. Sosa, the returning members, and the new members as we all were looking forward to the ceremony and it did not disappoint.”
