Seven students from Panther Valley Junior/Senior High School were inducted into the Panther Valley Chapter of the National Honor Society in a ceremony held at Panther Valley High School on Jan. 23. These new members were selected by the chapter’s Faculty Council based on their meeting the highest standards of scholarship, service, leadership and character.

The newly inducted members are Juniors Ethan Gardiner, River Knoblauch, Kyle Lin, David McAndrew III and Michael Pascoe; as well as seniors Ashley Scheitrum and Sadie Trubilla.

“We are very proud to recognize these outstanding members of our student body. National Honor Society members are chosen for and then expected to continue their exemplary contributions to their school and their community,” said Chrisanne Powell, PV’s Chapter NHS adviser.

The Panther Valley Chapter has been active since 1976. Each year, the chapter sponsors service projects for the school district and its surrounding communities.

Although the NHS has been able to assist in the school setting this year, community service opportunities have been more difficult to accomplish due to COVID-19 restrictions. The chapter was able to lend a helping hand to the Nesquehoning Historical Society, Nesquehoning Fire Company and the American Cancer Society, work in cooperation with the PV Elementary PTO during Elementary Fun Day and being Santa’s Helpers at the “Giving for Christmas” event.

At the Junior High School, NHS members were an integral part to the success of the “At Home Renaissance Faire.”

Most recently, the chapter adopted and decorated a Christmas tree in Lansford’s Kennedy Park and members donated many hours to help out with the Toys for Tots distribution.

This year, Chloe Diekman serves as PV NHS president while Matthew Prudente performs the duties of vice president. The PV NHS secretary position is filled by Mallory Kreimendahl and Jessica Cabrera serves as treasurer.

The National Honor Society ranks as one of the oldest and most prestigious national organizations for high school students. Chapters exist in more than 15,000 schools and, since 1921, millions of students have been selected for membership. This national student recognition organization is sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.