WEST ORANGE, NJ – The 2025 inductions of the International Thespian Society and the National Honors Society for Dance Arts were held on June 10 at West Orange High School. Seniors also received their cords for graduation on June 19.
Dance advisor Melissa Sande and thespian advisor Wendy Mapes hosted the event, along with officers from both honor societies. This is the second year that the two honor societies have held their celebrations together.
“Ms. Sande and I are excited to continue our new tradition of honoring both dance and theater students who have demonstrated excellence in their appropriate disciplines,” began Mapes.
“Dance and Theater are essential disciplines of the mind, body and spirit, touching that place of mystery and transformation for both the performers and the audience,” she noted.
The Thespian Society is an International Honors Society for Theater students who have demonstrated a deep commitment to theater. Students are inducted when they have met a variety of requirements, including performance, working as theater technicians, attending competitions and earning at least 10 Thespian points.
The National Honor Society for Dance Arts is a National Organization that recognizes excellence in dance. The goals are to promote a desire for life-long learning in the field of dance and to encourage an understanding of, and an appreciation for, dance as an art form and develop a knowledgeable audience for tomorrow.
Opening speeches by Dance Society President Ainara Bouzas and Theater President Abby Rothstein kicked off the presentations, which included Most Dedicated, the announcement of new board members for the 2025-2026 school year, new inductees, and senior cord recipients.
Following the presentations, a brief slide show highlighting events of the past year aired.
Mapes and Sande added important comments regarding theater and dance programs.
"At a time when our society is consumed with technology, AI, and social media, it is very easy for us to slip into the isolated world of our smartphones," said Mapes.
"In fact, many of us do it, in restaurants, at concerts, in the park, at work, everywhere! Students are especially prone to losing hours gazing at various apps or playing video games on their phones. Theater has always been essential for humanity to view itself, reflect on itself and potentially change itself for the better. But now, more than ever, theater is essential in our schools and for our students to learn how to relate with people face to face. Theater requires concentration, focus, creativity, spontaneity, research, and most importantly, teamwork. Of course, these qualities are not limited to the stage, but infiltrate our students' lives and help them become better people."
Graduating seniors in the Thespian Honor Society
