“Believe that you can, and you’re halfway there.”
— Teddy Roosevelt
Travis Hermstein spoke of appreciation of Iola High School’s National Honor Society members Wednesday, but as is his nature as a teacher, he also tasked the 46 students with a question.
Could they identify the country’s 26th president?
(Spoiler alert: It’s Roosevelt.)
Hermstein, IHS social studies instructor, delivered the keynote address at Wednesday’s honor society’s induction ceremony, which recognized the 22 inductees, as well as the 24 current members, 13 of whom will graduate May 13.
Hermstein said the National Honor Society is the most prestigious high school academic organization in the country because students are selected not just on their grades but also by the leadership and character they show in and out of the classroom, and their service to the school and community.
“Speaking here tonight is a good reminder that these students are great kids,” Hermstein said.
Being a part of NHS carries with it a responsibility, Hermstein told the inductees.
“Your fellow students, your parents and your community will look to you to effectively lead by example, in helping to make IHS the best school it can be,” Hermstein said. “This is a responsibility you must not take lightly, so keep up those grades. Take those tough classes. Take the tough teachers. Make the right choices and know that all of us in this room will guide you along the way.
“You are now the face of Iola High School,” he said, “so make us proud.”
Hermstein also addressed the graduating seniors, asking them not to underestimate their achievements at Iola High.
“Do not fear the future, but rather embrace it,” he said. “The qualities that made you an NHS member to begin with are now embedded in you and will serve you and guide you as you move on.”
Parents are integral to the learning process as well, Hermstein said, by laying the groundwork for their children’s successes, through encouragement and discipline.
“You encourage your kids to participate in activities in and out of school,” he said. “You encourage them to work. … and you encourage them to learn. Parents are giving their kids, whether they realize it or not, all the opportunities they need to be successful in and out of the classroom.”
A candle-lighting ceremony brought in the new inductees: sophomores Kyndal Bycroft, Elza Clift, Kaysin Crusinbery, Reese Curry, Alejandro Escalante, Abbigail Hutton, Mariah Jelinek, Gavin Jones, Macey Lewis, Alana Mader, Maleigha Molina, Cole Moyer, Melanie Palmer, Ethan Riebel, Kinsey Schinstock, Madeleine Wanker and Kenleigh Westhoff, as well as juniors Christopher Holloway, Briggs Michael, Will Talkington, Jill Ward and Landon Weide.
Graduating National Honor Society members — Katie Bigelow, Caiden Cloud, Jarrett Herrmann, Macie Hoag, Jadyn Kaufman, Dallyn McGraw, Cali Riley, Jesse Taylor, Kaster Trabuc, Travis Wanker, Luke Wicoff, Kinzey Wilhelm and Cody Wille — received yellow cords to wear during commencement ceremonies on May 13.
Chapter adviser Amanda Belknap noted NHS members recorded 464 hours of volunteer work around the community for the 2022-23 school year, including Molly Riebel, who volunteered 37 hours, Jesse Taylor, 37, and Caiden Cloud, 36.
