By Chris Fischer
Nine students were inducted into the Redfield High School chapter of the National Honors Society on Mon., Oct. 21st. During the ceremony, inductees took the oath of the Honors Society and received pins. Rita Masat was the guest speaker. Faculty mentor Mara Fredricks said that the ceremony was set up and led by the members of the society.
Inductees were juniors Karlie Brabant, Jayde Englund, Hayden Gall, Ella Rude-Pederson, MaKayla Schultz, Kinley Smith, Cecilia Suchor, Conner Zens, and senior Brynnley Neuharth. Older members involved included President Jadie Turner, Vice President Adalyn Stoner, Secretary Brooklyn Rische, and seniors Addisyn Evans and Jaci Hofeman.

Fredricks explained that students had to have a cumulative 3.5 gpa to be eligible to apply to be in the society. Applications were reviewed by a group of staff. They looked at service, leadership, and character. The students were expected to meet the 4 pillars of the National Honors Society. These pillars, briefly, included: Scholarship, as in a life-long love of learning; Service, which involved selfless acts; Leadership, which used “initiative, innovation, and influence” (per the NHS website); and Character, including things such as ethics and compassion.
The high school honors society was for juniors and seniors. The junior honors society was for 8th and 9th graders. Fredricks stated that the groups often worked together. This included Melissa Zastrow, mentor of the junior group.
Being in the honors society meant more than just having an accolade to put on college applications. Fredricks, who had been in an honors society when she was in school, explained that more was expected of the students. Service projects around the school, as well as community involvement were part of things. Members of the society had to put in service hours. Projects could include things like helping with elementary school trick or treating or making of gingerbread houses.
Being a part of the society could have social benefits. Fredricks said “It gives them a sense of belonging to something that’s not athletics. It’s a place where a lot fit in if they don’t have other interest areas.” She quoted Masat, referring to the society members as “A team, but not one of our athletic teams.” Fredricks said that she was impressed by, and “very proud” of the students. She said that the society’s meant to recognize students who go above and beyond. It was estimated that both the high school and the junior groups had roughly 15 students members.