Millbrook High School recently held their 2025 induction banquet for the National Honor Society. On May 7, deserving sophomores, juniors and seniors earned access into this very prestigious society. With a message from Principal Dr. Saunders, and words from the current officers, the new members learned about what it means to be a part of the National Honor Society and what they can expect for future years.
The National Honor Society is the oldest and most prestigious honor society that a high school student can join. It was founded in 1921 by Dr. Edward Rynearson, and has connected students from across the country for over 100 years. This society is important for students to be involved in because it not only connects students within the school, but it connects them to others across the world. Students can learn what it means to give back to the community, and how to serve others before serving yourself.
The National Honor Society at Millbrook has done some amazing things this year including book drives, clothing drives, supporting hurricane relief for Western Carolina, and most recently a cancer walk to support children affected. Led by President Jackson Williams, the club has created many volunteer opportunities which have not only helped the Millbrook community, but also the surrounding Raleigh area.
The induction banquet began with the sophomores. Principal Dr. Saunders started by describing what it took for these students to be accepted into the society, and what an accomplishment it is. To join NHS one needs a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and involvement in service, leadership and school activities. For sophomores to only be in high school for two years and already have these requirements is a big feat. Saunders mentioned this in his message to parents describing why this group of Millbrook Sophomores is important.
The banquet continued with Williams speaking about what it means to be a member of NHS, and how being a part of the society shows the leadership in the Millbrook community is strong. He also continued by mentioning that this level of leadership and excellence is exactly what Millbrook is striving for. Next, Williams introduced the four qualities that each member will have when being a part of the NHS.
Senior Scarlett Allen listed the first quality scholarship. This is the dedication to learning that all students have shown and continue to show. It also refers to academic excellence which is in the form of the grade point average all members reached, as well as the high level courses that many students take. Scholarship is all about being academically intelligent, honest and showing perseverance through the hard courses and assignments through high school.
The next quality is service which was read by senior Annaka Boyd. Service emphasizes community involvement, volunteering and helping others. Service is a large part of the NHS because you not only learn to serve the members alongside you, but you also learn to serve the community and beyond. With a large portion of the society centered around volunteer work, service is a quality that all members have.
Following service is leadership. Senior Gwen Kreel introduced this topic describing the importance of it. Leadership is more about influence than bossing others around. This quality is about being a positive influence on others, demonstrating initiative, and contributing to the school community. Showing leadership doesn’t always have to be in an officer position, and anyone can support others while helping those in need.
The last of the four qualities is character, read by senior Lindsay Gershaw. This quality focuses on demonstrating honesty, integrity, reliability and respect. These are all super important for a member to have because it shows these students reflect not only good grades but also good qualities throughout their lives. Gershaw said, “I’ve shown character in [the] NHS by helping any members who had questions and also informing people of ways they can help give back to the community.”
After the qualities were read and described, all new members rose and repeated the pledge given by Williams. The inductees then walked across the stage in groups after their name was read. They shook Dr. Saunders’ hand and received their certificate of acceptance. Saunders then gave the final and congratulatory marks. The same process was repeated for the combined junior and senior induction.
Sophomore Kyla Drenzek said, “I’m super excited to join the National Honor Society. I think it’s super cool I could join as a sophomore, and I’m excited for the next two years.”
With the 114 sophomores, 42 juniors, and five seniors being inducted into the NHS this year, Millbrook’s community of leaders and active members is getting stronger and stronger each year. Next year these members will be led by President Maeley Roach, Vice President Ursula Furnas, Secretary Maddy Cox, and Historian Riley Clark. These members will lead the Millbrook NHS to accomplish great things.
