West Central National Honor Society Inducts 18 New Members

By Andrew Postle, The Quill

On March 4, West Central High School held its annual National Honor Society induction and installation ceremony in the high school gym. Eighteen new members from the classes of 2027 and 2028 were inducted, and a new board was announced. 

To be inducted into the WCHS chapter, students must have a cumulative 3.5 GPA and demonstrate the characteristics of scholarship, leadership, service, and character, both in school and in the community at large.

Inductees from the Class of 2027 were: Marli Allen, daughter of Laci Allen and Nick Allen; Colten DeCrane, son of Jaime DeCrane and Adam DeCrane; Payton Eisnnicher, daughter of Hallie and Mike Eisnnicher; Zoey Kriz, daughter of Wendy and Bryan McCleary; Dustie Liggett, daughter of Amanda Wood; Jimena Perez, daughter of Floraoralia and Bryan McVay; Isabella Stimpson, daughter of Mary Ann Stimpson and Jennifer Price.

Inductees from the Class of 2028 were: Jenna Bewley, daughter of Jacinda Hill; Irelynn Boyle, daughter of Heather and Adam Boyle; Brooklyn Eisnnicher, daughter of Hallie and Mike Eisnnicher; Rylie Ferguson, daughter of Stacie and Brad Ferguson; Lillian Higgins, daughter of Lindsey and Josh Higgins; Lia Klossing, daughter of Emily and Tyler Klossing; Isabell Koch, daughter of Leah Chandler and Joe Koch; Cheyanne Peel, daughter of Brooklynn and Joshua Peel; Brenley Priesman, daughter of Ashley and Brandon Priesman; Abigail Purchase, daughter of Nancy Purchase; Mason Schaley, son of Emily and Brendan Schaley.

This year’s board was also announced. Addison Burrell was named Historian, Blake Ricketts was named Treasurer, Kaylee Mills was named Secretary, Rebecca Hinshaw was named Vice President, and Katelyn Ford was named President for the 2026-27 school year.

Senior members were also recognized. “Being a member of NHS is not easy. It requires a student to be held to the highest of standards in all aspects of scholarship, leadership, service, and character, and these students have done so for the last four years,” said Mrs. Tiffany Ouellette.

Traditionally, senior members would receive their stoles to wear at graduation, but unfortunately the new ones had not arrived yet. So Mrs. Ouellette got a little creative, presenting each senior with a small trophy and a superlative.

Eric Christopher Carlson Jr. was awarded the “Library is My Second Home” award for the amount of time he spends in the library. 

Delaney Endress received the “Quiet Planner” award—even though she is quiet during most of the meetings, she always provides insightful feedback. 

Autumn Rankin was recognized for her commitment to volunteering. 

Teegan Rodeffer received the “Less is More” award for his quiet but consistent participation. 

Grace Seitz was honored for her event planning skills. 

Reegan Shafer received the “Best Attitude” award for her positive demeanor during community service. 

Jackson Spence was named “Personal Meeting Scheduler” for ensuring timely meetings. 

Drake Vancil received the “NHS Dad” award for his wise advice that you didn’t know you needed. 

Addison Webster was recognized for her insightful questions. 

Keaton Ruebush was honored for his ability to always find something interesting while cleaning up along the highway. 

Last but not least, Lauren Winters was honored for turning meetings into “TED Talks,” where she is a “passionate yet slightly excited leader.”

This year, the West Central chapter has volunteered at our local nursing home, picked up trash along our adopted highway, and volunteered at various other community events throughout the year.  The community looks forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.

The National Honor Society (NHS), founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious student organizations.

With over one million members across the United States and beyond, NHS recognizes high school students who excel in its four core pillars: scholarship (outstanding academic achievement), service (voluntary contributions to school and community), leadership (resourcefulness, initiative, and positive influence), and character (integrity, respect, and responsibility). 

Membership is an honor bestowed by a faculty council and carries the ongoing responsibility to uphold these values, fostering well-rounded leaders who make meaningful impacts in their schools and communities.