The scholastic, community service, and artistic achievements of over 150 Hopkinton High School students were honored as they were inducted into the National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society Oct. 2.

   Hundreds of family members and friends gathered in the gymnasium as the students were congratulated and welcomed into the “nation’s premier organization” established to recognize students for outstanding character, scholarship, leadership and service.

   HHS National Honor Society co-president Fatima Zaidi welcomed the inductees, and congratulated them on their achievement.

   “Each of you has impressive skills and talents,” said Zaidi. “Our schedules are packed with a million things … but you have gone above and beyond.”

   Fellow co-president Matthew Dempsey also congratulated the inductees, and spoke to them about the value of serving others.

   “The best and most valuable service is where you are not counting how many hours you have to complete,” said Dempsey. “There is no better feeling.”

   Guest Speaker and HHS teacher Valerie Von Rosenvinge reflected on her time in high school, and how, although the students’ vision of the future may change, it’s their good character that should remain a constant.

   “You can predict and imagine the future all you want, but it’s the present choices that you make that determine the trajectory of your life,” said Von Rosenvinge. “Knowing who you are as a person should be your primary focus.”

   She ended giving the inductees a piece of advice from a Native American proverb.

   “As you go the way of life, you will see a great chasm. Jump. It’s not as wide as you think,” she quoted.

   The inductees were then called up individually to receive a certificate and a flower which was to be presented by each inductee to a parent or mentor as a show of gratitude.

   In order to be eligible for the National Honor Society at HHS, students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. They are then invited to apply and are chosen by a committee of five teachers based on their essay and their demonstration of the four pillars of the National Honor Society – character, scholarship, leadership, and service.

   Students looking to join the National Art Honor Society, a new program to HHS this year, must have a B-plus average or higher in their art classes and must be interested in giving back to the community through visual arts.

   Both societies give students an opportunity to serve their community in different ways, according to NHS advisor and HHS history teacher Sara Williams.

   “The kids here are always looking for opportunities to help in the community so this is a great outlet for them,” said Williams.

   The induction ceremony, which has been an annual event since 2000, is a way to give the students acknowledgement for their accomplishments — both academic and service — said Williams.

   “It’s a recognition for all of the hard work they have put in so far, and of the responsibilities they will have as a National Honor Society member for the next one to two years,” she said.