The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Union High School National Honor Society had thirteen new members and five honorary members inducted into their organization on Sunday, March 28, 2004.
Brian Ward, President of the National Honor Society, welcomed approximately 150 students, relatives and friends. He shared with those in attendance how each person's future is set for them, but they must be willing to work hard and create the things that will help them achieve the goals to be successful in that future.
"Don't let anyone cross that path you have set for yourself, which might prevent you from reaching your goals," he said.
A vocal solo "This Land is My Land" by Kristin Whiteman and a piano solo by Audra Adolph was performed.
Mr. Sam Wegman, former superintendent of Union School District, shared with the audience some of the accomplishments that were achieved in the school district during his sixteen years as superintendent.
He shared the importance of the criteria that new members had to meet: character, leadership, service, and scholarship, explaining how each depended on the other to be successful in life.
That national Honor Society has invited honorary members to be inducted into their organization, who have made contributions to the organization, to the school district and to the community.
This year, Mrs. Melinda Frakes, Business Teacher in the Union School District, was chosen as the individual to receive that honor. She has served this district and community in many numerous ways.
This year Mr. Dean Irlbeck, Superintendent, and Mrs. Karen Rima, chose to honor another individual with honorary membership in the organization.
Mr. Irlbeck stated that this individual has met all of the criteria required to be a member many times over. He has supported our academic programs with enthusiasm and a willingness to help whenever needed. He is a familiar face at almost every school and community event and volunteers on a regular basis with numerous community projects. Mr. Lawrence Brokaw was very surprised with the honor.
The Induction ceremony began with the President, Brian Ward, Vice President, Rebecca Van Tine, Secretary Jessica Kelley, Treasurer, Dana Hetrick, John Weber, and Amy Bigger reviewing the Mission Statement and Seven Qualities of a national Honor Society member, and the criteria required for membership:
Character, Leadership, Service, and Scholarship.
During the Induction Ceremony, the present members, Seniors Amy Bigger, Tara Eaton, Kaila Gapen, Haley Hass, Dana Hetrick, Daniel Hopkins, Melissa Kane, Jessica Kelley, Amanda Lox, Jessica Miller, Ashley Reaves, Heather Simmons, Rebecca Van Tine, Brian Ward, John Weber,
and Juniors Audra Adolph, Loren Reed, Shannon Van Tine, and Kristin Whiteman welcomed the following new inductees:
Blake Byers, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Byers; Megan Clark, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brad Clark (due to illness, Megan will be inducted during the ceremony in 2005); Rachel Earp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Earp; Chase Gray, son of Mr. and Mrs. Grant Gray; Michael Tyrel Kage, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kage; Lene Lox, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Lox; Dustin Mattson, son of Mr. Terry Hyde and Ms. Kelly Kindig; Samantha McClanahan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn McClanahan; Deanna Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Darren Blakely; Kelsey Olson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Olson; Sean Robbins, son of Mr. Steven Robbins and Ms. Rhenae Hasley; Jacob Sanning, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Sanning; and Jessica Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Pirtle.
Honorary Inductees were:
Cristina Destefani (AFS Student), host family Mrs. Kathy Good and the late Dr. Paul Good; Alice Vongoethem (AFS Student), host family Mr. and Mrs Roger Van Tine; Jacob Zschunke (AFS Student), host family Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Smith; Mrs. Melinda Frakes; and Mr. Lawrence Brokaw.
At the closing of the ceremony, Mrs. Alta Mae Brokaw, Advisor, presented the new inductees with a letter of congratulations from Mrs. Rima, Principal, who was unable to attend. A reception followed.
Mrs. Jane Alexander, Home Economics Instructor and numerous people helped serve the reception.
Mrs. Barbara Gray helped in sending out the invitations, preparing programs, and providing music as the guests arrived for the ceremony.