Feb. 13 marked the formal convocation for the induction of the National Honor Society (NHS) at Woodward Academy. Based on the records of various juniors and seniors who have demonstrated exceptional behavior in the classroom and in their communities, they have been selected and qualified for this membership. This year, 118 students from the Class of 2027 and 15 students from the Class of 2026 have been selected for membership into the Randolph W. Thrower Chapter of the NHS.
The NHS recognizes students who exemplify intellectual scholarship, service, leadership and character. It is one of the nation’s oldest, largest and most prestigious recognition programs for secondary school students. The society prides itself on a legacy of success for young minds.
The program began with warm opening remarks from NHS President Shravya Nandigam ‘26, followed by an opening prayer delivered by Vice President Khalon Davis ‘26. Dean Stephanie Stephens, Woodward Academy’s Academic Dean and NHS Advisor, shared thoughtful reflections with students and families in attendance. The program concluded with Dr. Chris Freer, President of Woodward Academy, who offered words of encouragement and perspective to the newly inducted members.
Dr. Freer emphasized that while individual achievement is worthy of recognition, the importance lies in what students have done and should continue to do as a community. He challenged students to consider their role not only within Woodward Academy but also in the broader world beyond graduation.
“How can you make Woodward Academy better?” Dr. Freer said in his speech to the NHS inductees. “As you go into college and university, ask yourself, ‘How can I make that community better? How can I make the world better?’ It’s not about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about making the room smarter. ‘How can you contribute through intellectual curiosity to make this world better?’ Leadership is not easy. Making the popular decision and making the right decision are the differences between a good leader and a poor leader. Make the hard choices and be the kind of leader who makes us better… It’s not about you, it’s about others, and that’s not easy. It’s about how it is making you better, [and] ‘how it is making my community better?’”
The Four Pillars of Honor in the NHS are reflected daily by students at Woodward Academy. Much like Woodward’s motto of Character, Opportunity and Excellence, these principles shape how students learn, lead, and collaborate as a community.
Scholarship is reflected not only in academic achievement but also in a student’s mindset towards learning and growth. Maya Hatch ‘27 emphasized the importance of maintaining balance to achieve academic scholarship.
“Maintaining my GPA is important to me for college and my transcript, but developing good study habits and balancing student life is what truly matters,” Maya said.
Leadership is demonstrated through positive influence with peers and the willingness to help others. Students demonstrate dependability both within and outside of school. The NHS sees promoting school activities and upholding school ideals as one of the most important ways to exemplify leadership. Take a look at London Logan ‘27, a model student who is already excelling in leadership. London Logan is a Student Admissions Ambassador and enjoys fostering a sense of leadership and community during tours for prospective students.
“I enjoy showing them what our community is about and how we foster diversity, balance, and a great learning space for all people,” London said. “[Leadership] is about having integrity and being the person in your community to take risks.”
Service is defined by commitment to helping others without recognition or reward. Willingness to take on inconspicuous responsibilities are characteristics of a servant-leader. Alyssa Pashley ‘27 is a part of the UNICEF Club, French Club and WA Global.
“The members [of UNICEF Club], including myself, strive to serve the Woodward community and others outside the school,” Alyssa said.
The final pillar, character, is expressed through high standards of conduct, morality, ethics, honesty and reliability. Additionally, students of character demonstrate respect, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Ryan French ‘27 exemplifies these values through her lifelong connection to Woodward Academy as a Vintage Eagle, growing alongside the community that helped shape her character.
Being inducted into the NHS was a “full-circle moment,” Ryan said. “Character at Woodward and in the National Honor Society represents honesty and integrity, and that’s something I pride myself on daily. All of the students inducted into the society have something special they have to offer to the society, making it diverse.”
