WHS Students Honored at NHS Ceremony

Thirty-one students were honored on Wednesday, May 19, at the annual Williamsburg High School National Honor Society, in the gymnasium.

At the first ceremony since COVID-19, Superintendent Lisa Murgas welcomed students and family members to the ceremony. Murgas praised the students who maintain a 93 percent GPA, for "achieving and accomplishing great things."

Murgas also recognized the four pillars of the National Honor Society – scholarship, service, leadership and character.

Former Superintendent and class of 1975 graduate Linda Smith was the keynote speaker. Smith said she felt she was "finally a distinguished alumni" when she was asked to speak.

In her speech, Smith thanked her family, including her husband and daughter Valerie along with two granddaughters, for their support.

In 1975, Smith knew she wanted to be a teacher, like her sister. Smith attended Slippery Rock State College, and she is now only 20 credits away from her doctorate.

"Always keep your education going," Smith said.

Smith emphasized the importance of the community that Williamsburg has to offer.

"Not everyone is from Williamsburg – you are blessed with an upbringing others do not have," Smith said. "A great community has helped raise you – a community with a giving spirit and lots of love."

Smith encouraged students to "find a leader." She credits former WHS band director James Gibboney, who made Smith the drum major when she was in ninth grade.

"He was a fun leader, he was always alive with excitement, and my leadership endeavors started with him. Find the leadership within you," Smith said.

Smith ended her speech by saying, "You're never going to forget your senior year, WHS is your home, be proud of your home."

Mr. Kelly Over, the head of the NHS Williamsburg chapter, then told students about the "Miracle on Ice," when the U.S. hockey team won against the undefeated Soviet team.

"The world is searching for hope and for light. You have the opportunity to be that light," said Over.

Senior members of the NHS include Olivia Aurandt, Hannah Brenneman, Kelsie Butler, Matthew DeHoyos, Allee England, Josey Fetters, Elizabeth Frederick, Makayla Kipe, Marcella Lynn, Maggie Merritts, Gabe Mingle, Hayley Morgan, Garrett Nicewonger, Kassidy Post, Alonna Somers, Taylor Uplinger, Anna Ward and Madalyn Whitaker.

Junior members are Ashley Brubaker, Cyrus Simmons, Krista Simpson, and Alissa Walker.

New sophomore inductees were Ian Ake, Shelby Aurandt, Alex Brantner, Justin Brubaker, Bailey Brumbaugh, Jade Carper, Zach Kagarise, Abbie Merritts and Kendel Norris.