The Milan News-Leader
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Milan students are tapped for National Honor Society
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: May 1, 2008
Thirty-four of Milan High School's brightest students were put in the spotlight Monday as they were roasted and then given one of the school's most prestigious honors in front of their families and the entire student body and staff.
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In a unique ceremony, the newest members of the National Honor Society were surprised as they were introduced during an all-school assembly in the performing arts center.
With proud family members waiting in the wings, current National Honor Society members introduced 14 sophomores, nine juniors and 10 seniors who were escorted from their seats up to the stage, where they were given a membership pin and honored
"I'm not aware of any other schools that announce new members this way," said National Honor Society adviser Steven Porter in his welcoming remarks. "We are here to honor excellence, tied to a work ethic. Excellence is never averaged and has a constancy of purpose. Today we honor 34 students based on four virtues: character, leadership, scholarship and service."
This was the third induction ceremony for William and Sonia Castleman. Their son, William Castleman Jr., will graduate this year, following in the footsteps of his two older sisters who were also in the National Honor Society at Milan High School.
During the roast, his classmates learned that his childhood nicknames were "Mr. Bobo" and "Cookie Monster," and that his recent work with the Milan High School elementary reading program earned him a $500 check, which he shared with program planners. Like his fellow inductees, Castlman maintains a high grade point average while consistently contributing to his school and community.
"We are very proud of him," said his sister, Corisa Reed, who took the morning off from work to be a part of his entourage, which also included a nephew and his grandparents.
Parents and extended family members waited in the hallway to the side of the stage, laden with flowers, cameras and tissues.
Once each student made his or her way through the auditorium to the stage, the new inductee received a pin from Superintendent Dennis McComb, Mayor Kym Muckler, Symons Elementary School Principal Nancy Tetens, teacher consultant Elaine Briggs or art teacher Barb Boyce.
"These guests have also been chosen for their fine character and we thank them," Porter said.
While the audience of students was highly charged during the program, the utmost respect and enthusiasm was shown by the inductees' peers throughout the morning.
"This is a really special assembly," said French teacher Sue Kanitz as the students poured into the auditorium. "It's a big job getting everyone in here, but it's really exciting."
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