On Wednesday evening, the National Honor Society inducted its chosen members from the class of 2020 in its annual ceremony. To be inducted, members had to exemplify the pillars of NHS and have at least a 3.8 cumulative weighted GPA.

During the ceremony, each member’s name was called as they received their certificate of membership onstage from director of student activities Katie Odell. Each student shook hands with assistant principal of operations Steve Parnther, assistant principal of student services Dr. Antwan Babakhani, social studies teacher D.J. Kosiba, and superintendent Dr. Steven Isoye.

The ceremony began with performances from groups within the Niles West orchestra and choir.

Dr. Isoye, Dr. Babakhani, and Kosiba addressed the inductees after the performances. The president of NHS, senior Minh Le, also gave a speech.

“I thought the musical performances created a formal atmosphere, and all the speeches were fantastic,” senior and NHS member Brian Pryzby said. “I think the school did a great job honoring the inductees.”

“My favorite part of the induction ceremony was probably Mr. Kosiba’s speech,” senior and NHS member Amani Laliwala said. “It was so sweet and genuine, especially when he mentioned the K.I.R.L.S.”

Once all the inductees were onstage, each student lit a candle and repeated the National Honor Society oath. At the end of the ceremony, inductees and families were served cake and ice cream at a reception in the Student Commons.

“I honestly loved the whole ceremony. I really loved the speeches from Dr. Babakhani, Mr. Kosiba, and Minh. I felt appreciated for my hard work over the years,” senior and NHS member Libby de Klerk said. “The candle lighting was beautiful and I felt it was a really great way to honor students who have put in the work during their high school career.”

“I loved how beautiful the ceremony was in that we were all connected by our achievements,” senior and NHS member Agata Soltys said. “I got to meet people that I haven’t talked to before and I feel like those newly made friendships are a result of the ceremony itself.”