Eleven juniors and six seniors joined Panther Valley High School's National Honor Society during the 38th induction ceremony, held at the high school on Wednesday evening.

NHS adviser Rick Morgans began the ceremony with the lighting of the "Eternal Knowledge Candle," the candle that represents the students' accomplishments throughout their lives and their continuing advancement in education.Steven Reehl, NHS president, then welcomed everyone to the induction ceremony."For 38 years, students at Panther Valley have achieved a level of, not only academic excellence, but also levels of integrity, character and honor that we should all strive to meet," he said. "The inductees that sit before you are no different. These inductees have met the select criteria highlighted by the National Honor Society and then some."Reehl said the candles, positioned on the center of the stage around the Eternal Knowledge Candle, represented the virtues of the National Honor Society.Following Reehl's introduction, the descriptions of the four virtues of the National Honor Society were read by fellow senior NHS members.Amy Corby spoke of scholarship, Brendan Beshock read service, Ethan Vermillion read leadership and Emily Drissel read character.Morgans then introduced the new inductees, while Reehl and Joseph Gunnels, principal at PVHS, presented the awards and pins."National Honor Society membership is one of the highest honors a student can attain in his or her high school career," Morgans said before the induction of new members. "It is both an honor and a responsibility. Students selected for membership are expected to continue to demonstrate the qualities of scholarship, leadership, service and character."Not only are the students seated here before you stellar students, but they are also athletes, actors, artists, orators, singers, musicians, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church volunteers, dancers and poets. They are well-rounded, involved members of this school system and your communities."The new NHS inductees are:• Seniors: Colin Johnson, Morgan Kadel, Kayla Reese, Brooke Turner, Taylor Vance and Chad Dubosky.• Juniors: Brian Fisher, Megan Heckman, Matthew Hudicka, Huntre Keip, Mary Lazar, Jamey Mikovich, Nathan Miller, Jordan Reis, Samuel Stanko, Ryan Taras and Kelsey Van Horn.Senior members are: Brendan Beshock, Amy Corby, Hunter Davidyock, Emily Drissel, Macey Markovich, Tayler Nalesnik, Adam Nevenglosky, Steven Reehl, Ethan Vermillion, Michael Weng and Abigail Yusella.Following the induction of new members and the recognition of senior members, Gunnels addressed the audience.He thanked the parents, teachers and everyone who supported the students and helped them succeed and become well-rounded individuals.Closing remarks were provided by Reehl."To close ... I would like to quote the Greek dramatist and tragedian, Sophocles, 'I would prefer to fail with honor than win by cheating,'" Reehl said. "This is a quote that can be put forth to the high standard of honor that the students on this stage exemplify."The National Honor Society was founded in 1921 by Dr. Edward Rynearson, a principal at Fifth Avenue High School in Pittsburgh. His goal was to recognize and award academic and social excellence in his students.