Huntington High School Celebrates Dual Induction for English and Social Studies Honor Societies

In a joyous celebration of academic distinction, student leadership, and civic responsibility, Huntington High School held its combined induction ceremony for the National English Honor Society, Post Ellipsis Chapter, and the National Social Studies Honor Society, Rho Kappa Chapter, on October 20, 2026.

Embodied by the Old English proverb featured on the ceremony's program, “Gelast sceal mid are” (“Duty comes with honor”), the evening highlighted students who have demonstrated exceptional passion for literature, historical analysis, and critical inquiry.

The evening opened with a salutation delivered by Julian Canales and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Gabriella LoScalzo. Department leaders set an inspiring tone for the event. Social Studies Chairperson Mr. Joseph Leavy and Director of ELA & Reading Dr. Gretchen Rodney delivered opening remarks, reminding inductees of the meaningful duties that accompany academic success.

In her keynote address, Huntington High School Principal Ms. Rochelle C. Brown reflected on how the two academic fields work together to shape thoughtful, responsible citizens.

“English teaches us how to find our voice. Social Studies teaches us why that voice matters. And together, they remind us that knowledge carries responsibility,” Principal Brown shared. “We live in a world where information is available at our fingertips, opinions often travel faster than facts, and the ability to think critically has never been more important”.

Reflecting on the mission of both societies, Dr. Rodney noted that membership challenges students “to think critically, consider different perspectives, ask meaningful questions, and deepen our understanding of the world around us”. Mr. Leavy echoed those thoughts, observing that “our students who were inducted accepted their honor along with the responsibilities such honor entails. They were receptive to the ideal that 'with honor comes duty'”.

Chapter advisors Ms. Aimee Antorino and Ms. Kelly Quintero (NEHS) alongside Ms. Debora Balducci (Rho Kappa) formally introduced the student leadership teams guiding both organizations this year:

NEHS Post Ellipsis Chapter Officers: President Mia Einemann, Vice President Madelyn Falk, Treasurer Julian Canales, Secretary Gabriella LoScalzo, PR Coordinator Isis Jimenez, and Historian Alison Hahn.

Rho Kappa Chapter Officers: President Jake Chiclacos, Vice President Marilyn Mendoza, Corresponding Secretary Julia Goodwin, Recording Secretary Chloe Donovan, and Treasurer Leah MacManus.

During the presidential addresses, student leaders spoke eloquently about the values animating their work. NEHS President Mia Einemann emphasized that the organization represents an ongoing promise to the community. “We uphold the balance of duty and honor that comes with the prestige of this organization,” Einemann stated. “This organization is not simply a way to honor and emphasize the academic accomplishments of these brilliant individuals, but it is a commitment to honoring these values that are learned throughout our years at Huntington”.

Rho Kappa President Jake Chiclacos underscored the crucial importance of historical context when facing contemporary challenges, observing, “The present revolves around the past. Everything is connected, and in order to comprehend modern issues we must look back”.

The highlight of the evening arrived as Julian Canales, Gabriella LoScalzo, and Madelyn Falk led the traditional candle lighting ceremony and official induction of new members.

The ceremony highlighted two inspiring quotes representing the spirit of each society:

National English Honor Society: “We never know how high we are 'Til we are called to rise And then, if we are true to plan Our statures touch the skies” — Emily Dickinson.

Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society: “Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.” — Abigail Adams.

Alison Hahn and Jake Chiclacos delivered closing remarks before students, families, faculty, and administrators gathered for a celebratory reception.

2026 Honor Society Inductees

National English Honor Society Inductees

Patricia Abruzzo, Kailee Alfaro Cruz, Abigail Arelt, Elisabetta Arra, Dylan Bernzweig, Abigail Byers, Annabel Cassatto, Zoe Chiclacos, Harper Cohn, Olivia Corcoran, Victoria Creegan, Angelica Cunningham, Nathan Falk, Paige Falk, Tucker Fiore, Luca Garcia, Norah Golden, Carmen Gonzalez Robles, Dylan Goodwin, Mia Giugliano, Gavin Kline, Hunter Kline, Matthew Krull, Steven Lapp, Cecilia Lee, Riley Lewis, Annie Lopez Berrios, Luisa Mackey, Gabriel MacManus, Mia Marsala, Emma Martin, Emily McCarthy, Shelby Meystrik, Vivian Morrissey, William Oliva, Heath Patti, Lily Policastro, Clive Polinsky, Elena Prior, Brianna Purcell, Kaitlyn Purcell, Matthew Rhodes, Dexter Schein, Gianna Skrobela, Greenlee Stanford, Helena Sullivan, Abigail Uvena, Bennet Wagner, and Zoe Zeller.

Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society Inductees

Angela Abbatiello, Amy Andrade, Jacob Boxer, Hanna Boyle, Isabella Burke, Izabelle Colato, Claire Dello-Iacono, Lauren Dopico, Janita Files, Bryce Gilroy, Shealyn Gilroy, Mia Giugliano, Eric Heinz, Iliana Jarmolowski, James Markotis, Logan Mazure, Jordan McClary, Ava McDonald, Violet Palacios, Ashlin Perez, Clive Polinsky, Campbell Proctor, Olivia Puccio, Darcy Rimkunas, Karina Rodriguez, Henry Schmid, Jamellah Seydu, Tulsi Singh, Andreana Vlahos, and Lia Zivkovic.