Seniors accepted into the National Honor Society were inducted on a Zoom conference call at 7:15 p.m. on Friday. Family members of the inductees were also allowed to tune into the conference call. 

“Typically, we would be honoring all of these young men and women in person, but we figured that we would do it this way and it is going to be great,” said Valerie Santo, NHS advisor and English teacher.

Senior and NHS President Isabella Tjan began the ceremony with opening remarks on the club’s yearly highlights, in addition to introducing officers Hannah Epstein, Oren Roznistiky, Isabella Van Gyzen, and Jessica Forcellati.

After, the officers said the NHS pledge while four candles were lit, representing the four characteristics of the club: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. 

Following the officers, the senior inductees lit their candles and recited the pledge, officially becoming members of the society.

“Each of these seniors have been an incredibly active role model and active member of the NHS this year,” Santo said. “They have dedicated their time, energy, and enthusiasm to our service tutoring, and fundraising activities all year long.” 

Santo acknowledged each senior inductee by separately giving the students an opportunity to clap and congratulate each peer. 

Interim Principal John Puccio said it was “nice seeing a lot of our kids.” He took time to thank Santo for her work in organizing the event and congratulated the new inductees.

“In this time, we value our community and what it does for each other in a time of need,” Puccio said. “You guys have probably faced some adversity and your character will probably be tested. Most importantly, when you move on past Pascack Valley, please remember what it took to reach this achievement.”

District Superintendent Erik Gundersen said it was “refreshing” to see seniors on the call due to the current situation.

“I don’t teach classes and I don’t see students face to face on a daily basis, so it is really reassuring to me to see so many smiling faces on this Zoom conference call,” Gundersen said.