By JAMES MAZARAKIS
The National Honors Society carries on the tradition of inaugurating its newest members and officers, as well as saying goodbye to old ones, in its annual Induction Ceremony.
On this day, Apr. 30, 2014, adviser Paul Marques expressed the impression this year’s officers and students have had on the community. He described their projects as among “the most successful… ever,” and congratulated the students for their hard work.
After the traditional candle lighting ceremony, the new officers were officially given their roles. Junior Julie Lam was inaugurated the new president, accompanied by new Vice President and junior Olivia Verdone, new secretary and junior Sebastian Patino, and treasurer and sole sophomore Maddie Lam. Both tears and laughs filled the room as NHS’s seniors described the gratitude they had for family members, particularly their parents, and others.
Following this was the awarding ceremony for teacher, staff, and role model of the year. Both Berenice Diaz and Jennifer Rogowicz, math teachers at MHS, were awarded teacher of the year. Also, House Principal Diane Klibansky received the Lifetime Achievement award, where she modestly noted that she was just one part of the success that was Malden High School. Klibansky was “honored,” though she remarked that it “goes to the teachers and staff that process studies,” and share the honor with her. Klibansky will be retiring at the end of this year.
The Role Model of the Year award was granted to Spanish teacher Mar Marjomaa this year, whom many students felt had given incredible guidance and empowerment throughout her years of training. Marjomaa gave a humbled speech in response to the high honor.
The event concluded with a viewing of NHS members’ presentations of their projects, which included charities, service projects, and fundraisers.
