by Rachel Hunter
Nine scholars were inducted into the Gouverneur Central High School Chapter of the National Honor Society on Wednesday, June 4 at the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center.
Gouverneur High School Principal Nicole Donaldson welcomed all in attendance. “It is an honor and a privilege to welcome you to this very special evening, the National Honor Society Induction ceremony. Tonight is a time for us to pause in the hustle and bustle of our daily routines and recognize a remarkable group of students, who have chosen not to just meet expectations but to rise above them. The students we honor this evening, our inductees and returning members, have embraced the values that lay at the heart of the National Honor Society – leadership, character, scholarship, service, and citizenship. These are not just words written on a certificate. They are values lived out each day in our classrooms, our hallways, and throughout our community. These students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, yes, but grades alone do not tell the whole story. What sets them apart is their willingness to lead, to serve others, and to hold themselves to a higher standard. They have chosen to be active participants in their own education, to contribute meaningfully to our school and community, and to act with integrity and purpose. Induction into the National Honor Society is not a final destination. It is a beginning. It is a call to continued excellence and responsibility. As members, they are now charged with the task of upholding these values – not just in name, but in action. This journey requires dedication, humility, and a continual wish to grow, to improve, and to lead by example.
“To our new inductees, we celebrate your achievements tonight and we challenge you to keep reaching. The path ahead may be difficult at times, but it is one paved with opportunity. Step forward with confidence, just as so many others have before you. And continue to raise the bar… for yourselves and for those who come after you.”
GHS Principal Donaldson then extended a word of gratitude to those who made the special evening possible, with special appreciation to the Gouverneur Community Center, the Gouverneur CSD Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly, Gouverneur CSD Board of Education, among others.
“Tonight we celebrate not only what our students have achieved, but what they are capable of becoming.” GHS Principal Donaldson said at the conclusion of her address. “Thank you for joining us in this celebration, and for continuing to support the bright futures being built right here at Gouverneur High School. Congratulations to all our inductees.”
NHS Advisor Julia Streeter then said the following: “We are grateful to our families for being here tonight to celebrate this meaningful moment in your student’s journey, as we honor the efforts of our new inductees, and welcome them into a community built on five pillars of the National Honor Society – leadership, character, scholarship, service, and citizenship. This evening marks a significant milestone as the accomplishments recognized already exemplify these guiding principles. Tonight, each inductee will pledge to uphold these principles.
“As we welcome you as new members, we celebrate the strong foundation built by those who came before you. This past year, our chapter has been marked by meaningful accomplishments and lasting impacts – moments we are confident that will continue with the talent, promise and dedication that each of you brings. One way we measured that success is through our community impact. Our fundraising efforts allowed us to support those in greatest need by first generating the resources necessary to make a difference. Thanks to those efforts, we were able to make a meaningful donation to the Kiwanis Backpack Program, helping to ensure that children in our area have access to small sustaining meals when school is not in session. A portion of our funds was also used to make the holidays a little brighter for GHS students during the holiday season.
“In the realm of service, our chapter members proudly participated in the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign standing in support of individuals in need. Every dollar collected stayed right here in our local community… a reminder that heartfelt service can have a powerful impact right here at home. As part of our continued service efforts, we hosted two successful American Red Cross blood drives this year, collecting 51 units of blood, enough to potentially save up to 153 lives. Every donation counts. And we take pride in helping to foster a culture of lifelong giving among our students. And because we reached our collection goal, three of our dedicated senior members will be awarded a total of $1,000 in scholarship funding through the American Red Cross that will go to higher education. These members exemplify what it really means to go above and beyond in service. This spring, we partnered with the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau for their 5th Annual Trash Dash. Even in the rain, our members stepped forward to support environmental stewardship – because service does not wait for perfect weather. This academic year, our veteran members have collectively contributed over 600 hours of school and community service, demonstrating a true commitment to making a difference. In recognition of their efforts, and to continue fostering growth beyond service, our chapter members will take part in a leadership and a team building retreat at Beaver Camp next week, an experience that deepens our connections and renews our shared sense of purpose. New inductees, this is something you can look forward to next year.
“To the inductees, I have had the high privilege of teaching all of you in English classes. I have watched you grow intellectually and personally. And I understand that you are not only aware of the world around you, but you are eager to contribute meaningfully to it. That is why you are here. Tonight you don’t just join a proud tradition. You take a meaningful step forward into a life shaped by continued service and leadership.
“This evening’s honorees have demonstrated a strong commitment to becoming members of the National Honor Society. Their journey began by meeting a strong academic standard, maintaining a GPA or 90 or above. Their candidacy was rigorously evaluated and approved by the faculty council, granting them provisional status. In a short period, they completed 10 hours of volunteer service, making meaningful contributions to both the school and the local community. Their dedication reflects integrity, humility, and a genuine desire to uphold the values of NHS, qualities that make them truly deserving of recognition. This entire process would not have been made possible with the support of our school’s administrative team and the faculty committee members who serve essential roles within our chapter. Their support, their willingness to make space for their growth is the foundation of all that we have been able to accomplish, and we thank them for standing behind us, encouraging us, and making our work possible.”
NHS Advisor Julia Streeter then introduced the 2024-25 officers. The GHS graduating seniors include the following:
GHS National Honor Society Chapter President Zoe Griffith will be attending Presbyterian College, majoring in art education. She will also participate as part of their Division I women’s wrestling team.
GHS National Honor Society Chapter Vice President Danielle Shattuck will be attending Clarkson University, majoring in psychology and pre-physician assistant studies.
GHS National Honor Society Chapter Secretary Mae Cummings will be attending Russell Sage College, and will pursue a major in Interior and Spatial Design.
GHS National Honor Society Chapter Treasurer Kristen Burns will be attending SUNY Brockport, majoring in Exercise Science, and plans to pursue further education in physician assistant studies.
Each senior officer was extended gratitude for their service.
GHS National Honor Society Chapter Parliamentarian Ashlyn Besaw, a junior, will return in the 2025-26 school year to serve as Chapter President.
NHS Advisor Julia Streeter then introduced GHS National Honor Society President Zoe Griffith who began the induction ceremony. “Administrators, faculty, parents, guests, and students: As President of Gouverneur Central School’s Chapter of the National Honor Society, I am glad to welcome you to the 2025 induction ceremony,” President Griffith said. “We are gathered here to formally recognize those students who have been selected by the faculty at GHS for successfully completing their candidacy and are being inducted as new members of our NHS chapter. For current members and those former members who may be among our guests, we hope this will serve to remind you of the standards of excellence you too are charged with maintaining as members of the nation's oldest, largest, and most prestigious student recognition program.
“Our chapter is proud to have been inducting new members since 1954 and today's ceremony indicates the emphasis on excellence that we represent for our school and community. Throughout the year, members of our chapter serve as role models for other students. In addition to the strong academic records which established the eligibility for membership, our chapter members are leaders in many student organizations, and we serve our school and community through many activities including American Red Cross Blood Drives and the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. We are proud of this record of accomplishment and welcome these new members who bring new energy and support of our continuing work as NHS members.
“The motto of the National Honor Society is “light is the symbol of truth.” The White candle symbolizes our emblem-- the flaming torch of knowledge. Tonight, each inductee will light their own white candles symbolizing their commitment to this society and the morals we stand for.”
The white candle was then lit.
NHS President Griffith then said: “It is at this time that we proclaim to all in attendance that membership in the Gouverneur High School Chapter of the National Honor Society has been earned by these candidates through the effective demonstration of the five qualities that serve as standards for the Society; leadership, character, scholarship, service, and citizenship.”
Officers of the chapter then reviewed these qualities for the candidates. President Griffith lit the purple candle, symbolizing leadership. Vice President Shattuck lit the green candle, symbolizing character. Secretary Cummings lit the gold candle, symbolizing scholarship. Treasurer Burns lit the red candle, symbolizing service. Parliamentarian Besaw then lit the blue candle, symbolizing citizenship.
President Griffith then inducted the nine new members: Tony Fiacco, Sarina Johnson, Laina Kurdziel, John-Michael Leader, Charley Newvine, Audrey Ormasen, Caleb Premo, Raine Rumble, and Wyatt Slate.
The inductees stood as the officers lit the inductees candles. President Griffith said: “The purpose of the National Honor Society is designated in the emblem – the flaming torch. The wearer of that emblem signifies his zeal for the light of truth, his desire to lead onward and upwards, his wish to serve and his desire to keep burning the high ideals of true manhood and true womanhood. Will you as wearers of that symbol pledge yourselves to live up to its purpose?”
The inductees then said, “I will.”
President Griffith then led the inductees in the pledge as follows: “I pledge myself to uphold the high purposes of the National Honor Society to which I have been selected striving in every way, by word or deed, to make its ideals the ideals of my school and my life.”
The inductees were then introduced, and were presented with certificates and yellow roses.
GHS Senior Tony Fiacco, the son of Tony and Chelle Fiacco, serves as Student Senate President and is a member of the Track team.
GHS Senior Charley Newvine, the daughter of Charles Newvine and Amanda Cox, is president of SkillsUSA, the National Technical Honor Society, and the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Club.
GHS Senior Raine Rumble, the son of Jamy and Patricia Rumble. In addition to being an active member of the Varsity Club, he participates in varsity football, basketball, and golf.
GHS Junior Sarina Johnson, the daughter of Christopher and Gina Johnson, is a member of the Yearbook Club, and currently serves as president of Key Club.
GHS Junior Caleb Premo, the son of Dennis and Carolee Premo, serves as vice president of Key Club, and much time is devoted to playing soccer and hockey.
GHS Sophomore Laina Kurdziel, the daughter of Michael and Lynn Kurdziel, is active in the arts as a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, the Thespian Society, and the school musical. She also plays on the JV Volleyball team.
GHS Sophomore John-Michael Leader, the son of Henry and Dayna Leader, is a member of the varsity football and track teams.
GHS Sophomore Audrey Ormasen, the daughter of Nick and Amber Ormasen, is a member of the varsity swim and basketball teams. She currently serves as the president of her class.
GHS Sophomore Wyatt Slate, the son of Nathan and Emma Slate, competes on the varsity swim, and track and field teams. He currently serves as treasurer of his class.
The crowd gathered applauded the new members of the National Honor Society.
Much gratitude was extended to the family members of the inductees. “In recognition of your support, each inductee has received a yellow rose, the official flower of the National Honor Society, to give to their support system as a thank you for all that you do,” President Griffith said. “Your continued support of these young scholars has helped put them on a journey to success.”
The crowd also enjoyed an inspirational address by guest speaker, Mrs. Clara (Pistolesi) Cummings (GHS ’93), a former member and officer of the Gouverneur Chapter of the National Honor Society. After graduating from GHS, Mrs. Cummings earned her Accounting degree from Clarkson University, and her Masters in Education from SUNY Potsdam. She currently works as a Human Resources Director at Empire State Mines. Mrs. Cummings encouraged the scholars to dream big, and to step forward boldly – even if their dreams change throughout life’s journey. Gratitude was extended to Mrs. Cummings for her address.
All were welcomed to enjoy a dessert reception while they congratulated the newest NHS members.
The GHS National Honor Society now includes the following students: President Zoe Griffith, Vice President Danielle Shattuck, Secretary Mae Cummings, Treasurer Kristen Burns, Parliamentarian Ashlyn Besaw, Carly Bartholomew, Gavin Davis, Raegan Devlin, Taylor Farr, Gabrielle Free, Graydon Hance, Madison Hopper, Abigail Lucas, Tucker Mussaw, Hannah Roderick, Myah Siebels, Gianna Terpstra, Kaden Wells, Tony Fiacco, Sarina Johnson, Laina Kurdziel, John-Michael Leader, Charley Newvine, Audrey Ormasen, Caleb Premo, Raine Rumble, and Wyatt Slate.
For more information on the Gouverneur Central School District, visit www.gcsk12.org.