Jayhawk-Linn NHS inducts nine students in evening ceremony
- Roger Sims, Journal Staff
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
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By Roger Sims, Journal staff
Nine students were inducted into the Jayhawk-Linn High School chapter of the National Honor Society during a ceremony on Wednesday, April 8 at the high school. The new inductees brings the number of NHS members up to 29, although several will graduate in May.
Following an introduction by NHS sponsor Joel Schauf, JLHS teacher Nicki Traul gave a brief address on the four “pillars” of the National Honor Society: scholarship, service, leadership and character.
Some of the points Traul made during her speech were:
Scholarship: “True scholarship means continuing to learn even when no one is grading you. It means valuing knowledge not just as a tool for success, but as a pathway for growth. In a world that is constantly changing, your ability to think critically and learn continuously will matter far more than any single test score.”
Service: “Service reminds us that success is not measured solely by what we achieve for ourselves, but by what we do for others. We must think beyond ourselves. It reminds us that our talents and abilities are not just for personal gain, but for the good of others. Service doesn’t always come in big, visible moments. Sometimes, it’s quiet. It’s helping a classmate who is struggling. It’s showing kindness when it’s not expected. It’s choosing to give your time and energy when it would be easier not to."
Leadership: "A leader is someone who steps forward when others hesitate. Someone who chooses integrity over popularity. Someone who lifts others up instead of seeking recognition for themselves. Some of you will lead from the front. Others will lead quietly, through your actions and your consistency. Both forms of leadership matter. What matters most is that you lead with purpose, with respect, and with courage.
Character: “Character is honesty, even when the truth is difficult. It is responsibility, even when no one is holding you accountable. It is respect for others, even when you disagree. And it is courage—the courage to do what is right, even when it is not easy.
Your character will define you far more than your achievements ever will."
"The true value of NHS is not the honor you receive tonight—it is the impact you make moving
forward," she said. "Years from now, people may not remember your GPA or your test scores. But they will remember how you treated others. They will remember whether you stepped up when it mattered. They will remember the difference you made. That is the legacy you begin building tonight."
Following Traul’s address, the JLHS officers lit candles representing those pillars. This year's officers are seniors Brea Dawson, president; Adeline Randall, vice president; Celeste Schneider, secretary; and Clay Nichols, treasurer.
The inductees were then called up onto the stage. The inductees included sophomores Layne Goodison, Lillian Meyer, Josiah Randall, Aiden Stark, Allie Thomas, Hazel Vaughn, Haelie Wallace, Camden Wood, and senior Kaylee Wisdom.
The rest of the members were then called up on stage, following the reciting of the NHS oath by the new members.
The other members included the officers and seniors Bertha Becerra, Brenlyn Bogan, Brilyn Bogan, Adrien Felix, Pyper Grote, Kiera McGrew, Eleanor Vaughn, Truman Schneider, Breck Umphenour, Jude Wade, Denton White; and juniors JoVeia Clark, Jayden Holt, Tanner Holt, Janessa Scott, and Rachel Walton.
Following the ceremony, refreshments (including cookies made by the JLHS Food and Consumer Science class and a cake) were served in the foyer outside of the main gym.
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