JVS inducts students into National Technical Honor Society

Jefferson County Joint Vocational School recognized about 45 students as the latest inductees into the National Technical Honor Society.

More than 100 people gathered in the school commons April 28 for the ceremony. Adviser Erin D’Aurora welcomed the crowd and thanked faculty and family members for their dedication and support.

“This moment would not be possible without the time, energy and encouragement you have given along the way,” she said. “Students, today is a celebration of your commitment to your education. Reaching this point has required hard work, determination, passion and resilience. We appreciate not only what you have accomplished, but also the character you’ve shown in getting here. We are extremely proud of each of you, and it’s an honor to recognize you as members of the NTHS and of your continued success.”

Current NTHS Vice President Cheznie Allison and Treasurer Brianna Householder described the purpose of the organization, which includes rewarding excellence in workforce education; developing self-esteem and pride; encouraging students to reach higher levels of achievement; promoting critical workplace values such as honesty, responsibility, initiative, teamwork, productivity, leadership and citizenship; helping schools build and maintain partnerships with local businesses and industry; and promoting a stronger image for workforce education in America.

Member Honorae Dowdel explained the organization’s colors. Silver denotes value and worth, white represents truth and honesty, and purple represents achievement and honor.

President Kimber Rogers shared the meaning of the organization’s emblem, which incorporates a shield crossed by a scroll bearing the letters “NTHS” and an American bald eagle’s head encircled by seven stars. Rogers said the shield represents the individual member, and the line running through it signifies a plumb line, which is fundamental to building a life and career on a good foundation. The bald eagle represents the United States and freedom of career choice, and the wreath of seven stars represents the seven attributes of NTHS members and organization chapters across the country.

Member Mary Sammut shared the NTHS motto, “Success Favors the Prepared Mind,” and the slogan, “Excellence in America’s workforce begins with excellence in workforce education.”

D’Aurora and the current officers installed next year’s leaders: Isaiah Rangel, president; Kyle Ensell, vice president; Katie Rivers, secretary; and Shaylee Rossi, treasurer.

A candle-lighting ceremony followed, featuring members Abby Kocher, Chelsea Channels and Dana Haynes. They said the candles represented knowledge, skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship and leadership.

Second-year members were recognized with pins, diploma seals, cords and tassels. They included Hayden Aggers, Cheznie Allison, Leighanne Anderson, Elijah Bright, Chelsea Channels, Kaiden Cook, Honorae Dowdel, Aaliyah Duke, Austin Fetty, Chloe Fisher, Noah Forrester, Gage Harris, Dana Haynes, Brianna Householder, Abby Kocher, James Presley, Bella Price, Trevor Reese, Kimber Rogers, Mary Sammut and Marek Speece.

Inductees received certificates and pins. They included Gage Applegarth, Brecken Banovsky, Kale Beebe, Livia Board, Chuck Carter, Hayden Cihon, Adilyne Costlow, Francesca Dennis, Carmine DiEugenio, Paige Dombroski, Kyle Ensell, Breanna Ferguson, Korey Frey, Kaden Grieve, Chandler Griffith, Blake Haught, Layne Highley, Kimber Howard, Bri Hudson, Gracie Hupp, Adrianna Jackson, Landon Jaworski, Emma Lamp, Konnor Leishman, Jolee Lombardo, Ashlyn Long, Alivia Marcum, Hunter Mattern, Luke McMillion, Josh McNally, Dylan Phelps, Lilianna Pool, Zoey Ralston, Isaiah Rangel, Katherine Rivers, Shaylee Rossi, Parker Schilling, Hailey Smith, Carter Stringer, Aydin Takach, Bralee Thomas, Ryder Tibbs, Jaxon Wiley, Chase Worwa and Zoey Wright.

The inductees recited the organization’s pledge at the conclusion of the event, and D’Aurora congratulated them on their accomplishment.

“This is an honor that you will be able to carry with you throughout your education and your career,” she said.