A hush fell over Emmons Hall while the ceremonial candelabras were lit. Soon after, Mexico High School Senior National Honor Society officers, clad in blue robes and gold stoles, took their places on stage.

It was a special night, one that included an important significance: Wednesday marked Mexico High School’s 100th year of National Honor Society Induction Ceremonies.

The National Honor Society was established in 1922 as a way to recognize high-achieving students who are dedicated to scholarship, leadership, service and character around the nation. In 1925, the Mexico Chapter was founded.

“It’s shown by leadership, outstanding character and academics as well,” said Peyton Hoover, MHS senior and current NHS member. “All the other members worked hard to get in here.”

Hoover, like many of his fellow NHS members, was invited to join in his junior year of high school, and he enjoys giving back to his community.

“As an individual, I do some volunteer work at the Missouri Veterans home and I do that in tandem with getting my Certified Nursing Assistant diploma,” said Hoover.

He is getting ready to welcome the new members to this prestigious club, led by Mrs. Colleen Galloway.

“We’ve got a few new members and this junior class getting inducted is way bigger than last year, and that’s awesome,” said Hoover. “ I’m glad we’re growing because that shows how academically we are improving and also in character.”

This year, 34 juniors and one senior were inducted in the Mexico chapter.

What makes NHS so special is the exclusivity of the club. In order to be invited, students maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average. Students are also evaluated by faculty who rank them 1-5 in six categories: respect, integrity, cooperation, courtesy, leadership and service.

“The reason I joined is because it shows the community that I am good at school and that I try really hard,” said junior inductee Ava Herron. “I also want to be able to get scholarships for college so I can go to a four-year school and then go to medical school.”

This year recognized one senior initiate, Karsyn Heidmann and juniors Anna Akeman, Kaden Benne, Abigail Bowen, Bailey Christianson, Katie Crews, Jace DeVault, Zellen Duncan, Madalynn Feger, Charles Fisher, Dee Harter, William Hernandez-Sapmayo, Isai Hernandez-Jarquin, Marali Herrera-Amaya, Ava Herron, Matthew Hilderman, Lola Keith, A.J. Leon, Kyle Lewis, Hannah Loyd, Samantha Martin, Jordan McCune, Zoey Norton, Serenity Presley, Jacob Quinlan, Margaret Ramsey, Jasmine Reeves, Emmaleigh Seibert, Samantha Smith, Miah Sprock, Jonathan St. Martin, Alexandra Terry, Chase Unger, Aurora Vines, Emmeline Watt and Jude Yance.

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