Thirteen new members were recently welcomed into the Jim Thorpe Area High School National Honor Society during a short induction ceremony.

The honor society held a brief candle-lighting ceremony at the high school, passing a flame from one student to the next. Once each member was holding a lighted candle, they recited the National Honor Society pledge, promising to fulfill the purposes and ideals of the honor society. New inductees then signed the National Honor Society registry and received a membership card and gold honor cord from advisor Ronald Ellison and high school principal Thomas Lesisko.The National Honor Society was founded in 1925 as a form of national recognition for students demonstrating high levels of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. During the ceremony, students explained what the four ideas of the National Honor Society stand for:Character is the force that drives one through life, and showing responsibility and honesty is an important part of character. Scholarship is the commitment to learning. Leadership means to take the initiative, both in class and in other activities, to be a leader and put society's needs before one's own needs. Service is the willingness to volunteer one's time and abilities to help others in school and the community.The Jim Thorpe National Honor Society demonstrates these values each year by taking part in volunteer activities and school events. The program most recently raised funds for the Red Cross in response to the earthquake in Haiti. Students purchased and sold 200 wristbands with Haiti's motto, "Strength Through Unity," embossed on the bands.Students also take part in the Jim Thorpe Rotary Club's holiday gift program each year, raising funds to purchase holidays gifts for needy families in the school district. Honor society members also wrap the gifts before they are distributed.Newly inducted members were Nicole Fischer, April Francia, Erienne Galvin, Christina Gibson, Arielle Harleman, Brittany Holland, Kearsen Meckes, and Joshua Williams, all high school juniors. Sophomore members inducted into the society were Nathaniel Flick, Mitchell Hoffman, Gabriell Miller, Michelle O'Toole, and Chelsea Smelas.Current members include seniors Emily Andrews, Jill Andrews, Sean Boyd, Tyra Brown, Corey Cinicola, Jessica Detweiler, Tara DeVincenzo, Christian Ferko (honor society Vice-President), Christian Hauze, Molly McFadden (Treasurer), Nicole Murlo (Secretary), Daniel Plavin, Hilary Reis, Christian Rosick, Oliver Schultz (President), and Dillon Smith. Junior members are Katherine Bond, Adam Dachowicz, Anna Domingo, Marissa Farra, and Samantha Rimbey.