FIFTY-NINE JUNIORS being inducted into the Lynnfield High School chapter of the National Honor Society recite the NHS pledge during a ceremony held in the LHS auditorium on April 30. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Fifty-nine juniors were inducted into Lynnfield High School’s National Honor Society chapter on April 30.
NHS President Paul Daley welcomed the inductees, families, current NHS members, educators and school officials to the ceremony in the LHS auditorium.
“We are gathered here tonight to formally recognize the students in the junior class who have been selected by the faculty of our school for successfully completing their candidacy and being inducted as new members into our NHS chapter,” said Daley. “This is a notable achievement and deserves a round of applause of our new members as well as our senior members who are joining us tonight as well.”
The ceremony’s attendees gave the 59 inductees and the senior NHS members a round of applause.
Daley noted that the National Honor Society is “the oldest, largest and most prestigious student recognition program” in the United States.
“Our chapter is proud to be inducting new members in today’s ceremony as it indicates the continuing emphasis on excellence that we have represented in our school and our community,” said Daley. “Throughout the years, members of our chapter serve as role models for other students. In addition to the strong academic records that establish eligibility for our members, our chapter’s members are leaders in many student organizations as well as serving our school and community through many activities.”
NHS Vice President of Service Ella Hayman said the National Honor Society “implemented a new student-driven service project” this year.
“Each member had to individually or in a small group come up with their own volunteer project idea,” said Hayman. “We were completely responsible for the planning and execution of these activities, and they were presented to our peers and advisors during the month of April.”
Hayman said the service projects NHS members created included delivering thank you cards and treats to first responders, a canned food drive for the Good Hope, Inc. food pantry, concerts performed at the Senior Center and donating blankets and supplies to the Northeast Animal Shelter. She also said NHS members volunteered with Lynnfield Community Schools’ LEDs after-school program, undertook a winter coat drive and a held a bake sale whose proceeds were donated to Sandy Hook Promise.
“Congratulations to our senior members for these amazing projects,” said Hayman. “We are proud of this record of accomplishment this year, and we look forward to continuing this work beyond LHS. We also welcome these junior members who bring new energy and support of our continuing work as NHS members.”
NHS Vice President of Publicity Raffi Arkun gave an overview of the National Honor Society pillars of scholarship, service, character and leadership.
After the four NHS pillars were discussed, two educators were presented with awards for their contributions to the LHS community.
“We would like to take a few minutes to honor some exceptional faculty members who truly represent the four pillars of the National Honor Society,” said Daley.
NHS senior member Emma Rose said business teacher Matthew Dobbins is “an amazing LHS educator.”
“Although Mr. Dobbins is well-known for teaching in the Business and Technology Department, if you have had the pleasure of taking the class with him, you would know two things,” said Rose. “First, he has a great sense of humor and secondly, he loves riding his bike. Whether he is making his students laugh during a lesson or engaging them in a story about his latest cycling adventure, Mr. Dobbins brings a unique energy into the classroom that leaves a lasting impression on his students.”
Rose said she did not know Dobbins until this year when she began taking his Business and Personal Law course.
“Although I had never spoken to him, I immediately recognized him as the teacher who rides his bike to school,” said Rose. “However, once I sat through a few lessons of his classes, it was clear to me that Mr. Dobbins was more than just a guy on his bike. He is a special and inspiring teacher who infuses humor and passion into his subjects to motivate students. Mostly importantly, Mr. Dobbins is an active listener who always engages with his students. He wants to hear our stories and let’s us share our opinions and thoughts about lessons. Every day, whether it is the first block of the day or the last, Mr. Dobbins always welcomes us with a big smile on his face ready to teach.”
Rose said Dobbins rode his bike from Washington, D.C. to Boston over a six-day trek during April vacation.
“Riding a total of 567 miles with only himself, his backpack and his bike, Mr. Dobbins quietly accomplished his incredible goal,” said Rose. “Please join me in giving Mr. Dobbins a round of applause.”
The ceremony’s attendees gave Dobbins a round of applause.
Rose said Dobbins has taught her “more than just business and legal terms.”
“He has shown me what it means to truly enjoy the journey, whether its education, athletics or relationships with family and friends,” said Rose. “He has taught me that working hard doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, and that success doesn’t have to come with the cost of your happiness. Mr. Dobbins is a positive role model in our school. He leads by example. He shows up every day with enthusiasm, patience and a genuine belief that each one of us has potential. He challenges us to think critically, to stay curious and to always find balance, just like balancing on a bike when the road gets a little rough. In closing, I just want to thank you Mr. Dobbins. Thank you for your laughter, your lessons and your passion both for teaching and for life. You have shown me that no matter where the road takes me, I should always keep peddling forward, keep smiling and keep enjoying every moment of the ride.”
NHS member Mahdi Makki recognized LHS English teacher Stefanie Marcoux.
“It’s a privilege to speak tonight about Mrs. Marcoux, who is an English teacher here at LHS who teaches multiple English classes,” said Makki. “I have had the pleasure of having her as my AP (Advanced Placement) Literature teacher. Although I have only known her for this year, her influence has been unmistakable. Mrs. Marcoux approaches teaching with a genuine passion for literature and a deep respect for the power of language. In her classroom, words aren’t simply studied. They are explored, questioned and brought to life.”
Makki said, “What distinguishes Mrs. Marcoux is her commitment to preparing her students for the future.”
“This year, as we navigated the challenges of college essays and the demands of senior year, she offered steady guidance and clear feedback,” said Makki. “Her goal is to always help us express our ideas with clarity and confidence. She encouraged us to think critically about the world and to recognize the significance of our own voices. Beyond her own classroom, Mrs. Marcoux’s involvement in our school community is well-known. As a student officer advisor in organizations like Student Council, she demonstrates dedication and initiative. Her presence is felt not only by her students, but by the broader community as a whole. One piece of advice that she gave me has stayed with me: ‘That often our greatest barrier is ourselves.’ It is a reminder that growth requires self-reflection and discipline. These are lessons that far extend beyond literature. If I were to describe Mrs. Marcoux, I would choose these three words: Passionate, persistent and devoted. Mrs. Marcoux, thank you for your guidance and for your belief in your students, and how they can achieve that. Your influence has made a lasting impression on me.”
The ceremony’s attendees gave Dobbins and Marcoux a round of applause.
Rose and Makki both congratulated the 59 juniors who were inducted into the LHS chapter of the National Honor Society.
After the two educators were recognized, Daley administered the NHS Pledge to the 59 inductees. The ceremony’s attendees gave the inductees a round of applause.
NHS inductees
The juniors inducted into the National Honor Society were Fiona Asaad, Marianna Axiotakis, Charlotte Beccia, Jacob Book, Rori Caprio, Drea Chan, Reagan Chisholm, Chloe Cieleswicz, Ava Cook, Sam Curley, Mallory DiSilvio, Brendan Driscoll, Annabelle Eckhardt, Lorelei Eckhardt, Isabella Fiorentino, Drew George, Ereeny Georges, Dino Gesamondo, Isabella Giacobbi, Ryan Giacobbi and Erin Golden.
As well as Harris Hadzihasanovic, Jayden Ing, Audrey Janielis, Sophie Kennison, Alexandra Kent, Sonia Kumar, Abby Lopez, Aislin McCormack, Gianna Micieli, Madeline Migliero, Shealyn Moore, Elizabeth Moore, Addison Munion, Cameron Munion, Dylan Nguyen, Jason Nguyen, Nandana Nishanth, Zoe O’Brien, Hannah Ozanian, Grace Pena and Ellie Phelps.
The remaining juniors inducted into the National Honor Society were Zarrar Raja, Anna Raslavicus, Jerusha Robins, Zoe Rockwell, Victoria Ruisi, Rocco Scenna, Alex Schmidt, Estella Steadman, Kaiden Stefo, April Sun, Isabella Sykes, Matthew Tracy, Siri Tudi, Ian Wagon, Angelina Wang, Lillian Williams and Nathan Zalvan.