HHS Science Honor Society Inducts
41 Members
Huntington High School’s Science National Honor Society chapter inducted 41 new members during a ceremony in the School Heritage Museum last week.
Prospective Science National Honor Society members must meet stringent requirements, including a minimum average of 90 in science, 80 in math and 85 in all classes. To remain in good standing, society members must compete in science competitions, perform peer tutoring, participate in club fundraising and attend meetings on a regular basis.
A crowd of parents joined the festivities, which were also attended by Superintendent James W. Polansky, Principal Carmela Leonardi, Chairperson of Math and Science Blaine Weisman, Huntington School Board President Emily Rogan and fellow members Thomas DiGiacomo and Xavier Palacios.
This year’s inductees include Elyas Amin, Ursa Amin, Sofia Bialkowski, Cole Blackburn, Rachel Carpenter, Nina Cartwright, Samantha Conte, Ethan Dwyer, Charlie Ehrman, Jack Gallagher, Christopher Glowacky, Anna Goldenbaum, Andrew Gunthner, Zach Hearl, Omotayo Ikuomensian, Thomas Kouttron, Sam Latt, Cindy Lopez, Peter Magerle, Ripley Mars, Caroline McCartney, Jack McKenna, Justin Meyer, Alexandra Mills, Jason Moreira, Hanna Murphy, Sabrina Palacios, Kylie Palmer, Nick Pandolfi, Spencer Pashkin, Caroline Petrozzo, Savannah Richardson, Dylan Schedler, Mary Sheehan, Emily Shutman, Olivia Stamatatos, Jason Stickell, Marygrace Trousdell, Hanae Wada, Ben Whitcher and Emily Williams.
The new inductees join continuing members Charles Beers, Carolyn Cimetta, Ariella Danziger, Justin Edgar-McNerney, Heather Forster, Hillary Hardardt, Caitlin Knowles, Suzie Petryk, Joe Saginaw, Marina Siegel and Can Toprak.
“Our new Science National Honor Society members have used their science studies to better understand how the world around them works,” said Dame Forbes, who serves as the chapter’s faculty advisor. “We hope that they will now use their scientific knowledge to illuminate the world of science for others.”
This year’s SNHS is led by Caitlin Knowles (president), Justin Edgar-McNerney (vice president), Carolyn Cimetta (secretary), Heather Forster (treasurer), Suzie Petryk (recording secretary) and Ariella Danziger (historian).
“The motto inscribed in Latin on the Science National Honor Society shield translates to “Fortunate is one who understands the causes of things,” Ms. Petryk told the crowd. It is indeed fortunate to have students like these here tonight who are willing to share their understanding of ‘the causes of things’ with other students and community members.”
“Mrs. Forbes and the society’s officers planned a dignified and enjoyable ceremony during which this fine group was inducted,” Mr. Polansky said. “New members clearly possess a keen interest in the sciences and see the value in exploration and inquiry-based learning. They all have fine academic careers ahead at Huntington High School and beyond. We commend and congratulate them for their efforts to date.”
Each chapter of the SNHS is required to pursue at least one project each school year. “This year, we plan to tutor students who require additional help in science; help students with special needs maintain interest in science through exciting scientific experiments and contribute to the good of the scientific community in whatever way possible,” Ms. Cimetta said.
Continuing a long tradition of recognizing a community member during the annual induction ceremony, the Huntington chapter of the SNHS presented an honorary membership to Donna Danziger, who has worked as a vaccines researcher, classroom teacher and college professor and who holds numerous degrees. She shared her experiences and offered advice to the attentive students.
Following the formal ceremony a small reception was held in the area outside the School Heritage Museum. The gathering allowed new and continuing members to mingle and chat with one another and with the family members and friends who attended the festive affair.