Otselic Valley Central School District

New initiates were inducted into the Otselic Valley National Honor Society (N H S) on May 11, 2021. Current members Payton Guernsey, Lily Lyon, Morgan Smith, Paige Warren, and Alexus White welcomed Tori Foster, Walfre Merida, Conner Ossont, Marianne Pearson, Cassidy Will, and Ellie Wood to this now 100-year-old organization. The N H S recognizes outstanding high school students based on their demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character, and it was an honor to welcome another group of exemplary students to the ranks of the Otselic Valley chapter.Induction ceremonies like this are not merely formal exercises instituted by the National Honor Society. Instead, the event is an opportunity for students and their families to fully participate: Original qualification speeches about NHS values and attributes were written and presented by current members. Students proudly chose Michelle Moison, O V’s former school counselor, to be the guest speaker. And finally, parents were invited to join their student as they received their formal welcome to the N H S. Honoring family at this noteworthy event was an excellent opportunity to express thanks and appreciation.The Otselic Valley induction was formalized by students reciting the National Honor Society pledge, thereby joining more than one million notable N H S students in all 50 states, territories, and Canada.The evening's ceremony included two additional features. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian from the Class of 2021 were officially announced, and congratulations were extended to Morgan Smith and Payton Guernsey, respectively. Then, the N H S Starfish Award was given to two students who have made a difference through their efforts at school and in the community. This year the Starfish was proudly awarded to Payton Guernsey and Lily Lyon.Many thanks are extended to  Principal Shelly Richards and NHS advisors Jamie DeRusso and Nicole Anken, O V’s two school counselors, who helped bring back Otselic Valley’s in-person ceremony.Congratulations to all!National Honor Society PledgeI pledge myself to upholdThe high purposes of the National Honor SocietyTo which I have been elected.I will be true to the principles for which it stands.I will be loyal at all times to my schoolAnd maintain and encourageHigh standards of Scholarship, Character, Leadership, and Service.