WEST ORANGE, NJ - "I pledge myself to uphold the high purposes of the National Honor Society for which I have been selected. I will be true to the principles for which it stands. I will be loyal to my school, and will maintain and encourage high standards of scholarship, service, leadership, and character." Newly inducted members of the West Orange High School National Society proudly took the National Honor Society oath in a ceremony held May 8.

95 West Orange High School juniors and seniors were inducted into the National Honor Society as proud family members and friends celebrated their achievement. The event was organized by advisors Gregory Saul and Bard Goodrich along with  2023–2024 officers Jayden Honeyghan (President), Leila Abouelnaja and Vanisha Janaki (Co Vice-Presidents), and Oluoma Ejiofor (Secretary).

"You are valued members of the West Orange High School Mountaineer community," said Saul as he welcomed parents and students.

"You are the difference makers and role models," added Goodrich.

Formed in 1921, the National Honor Society is a nationwide organization that recognizes high school students who excel in its four criteria:

Pillars of Membership

• Scholarship
  Students must first meet this criterion to become candidates for membership. NHS national policy requires that each chapter set a cumulative GPA as their scholarship criterion.
  
  (The minimum scholarship requirement a chapter may set is a cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or an equivalent cumulative standard of excellence. Each school chapter can set a cumulative GPA requirement above this minimum. The national office cannot require a chapter to lower a properly implemented higher cumulative GPA.)
  
  
• Service
  This involves voluntary contributions made by a student and done without compensation. Chapters can require evidence of service to either the school, the community or both. Each chapter sets its own requirements for this criterion.
  
  
• Leadership
  Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others. Chapters can require evidence of leadership from within school or the community or both. Each chapter sets its own requirements for this criterion.
  
  
• Character
  The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others. A chapter’s faculty council may review or consider disciplinary records when evaluating this criterion.

The National Honor Society recognizes not only high academically performing students, but those that serve, lead, and support the culture at the high school and in the community.

"Your hard work has helped you to excel in scholarships, in leaderships, and service," noted Principal Oscar Guerrero.

"You are the ones who seize the day and embody the Mountaineer spirit. I could not be more proud of you as principal," he concluded..

(L-R) WOHS Principal Oscar Guerrero, Oluoma Ejiofor, Vanisha Janaki, Jayden Honeyghan, Leila Abouelnaja, Bard Goodrich, Gregory Saul, Vice-Principal Lou Della Pia

The following students were inducted into the National Honor Society on May 8:

The following students were inductees in 2023 and will receive cords/stoles to wear at graduation: