On February 8 2017, Rochester Academy Charter School inducted eight new members into the National Honor Society. This event, attended by faculty, staff, parents, and current members of the National Honor Society, was a great success!
The National Honor Society is a nationwide organization which recognizes students who exhibit both academic excellence, as well as excellence in four key characteristics – Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. During the ceremony, students pledged to honor their school experience and to strive to be an example for others. Each student was awarded with a certificate and membership pin from school administrators.
Nhandi Applewhite, recited a lovely story by Loren Eiseley called “The Starfish Story”, during the presentation.
“One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean. Approaching the boy he asked: “Young man, what are you doing?” The boy replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back , they’ll die.” The man laughed to himself and said, “Do you realize there are miles of miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference.” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the picked up another starfish and threw it into the surf, then smiling at the man, he said; “I made a difference to that one.” “
That quality to do the right thing, to make a difference no matter the odds and no matter how small, was perfectly exemplified by our key note speaker, Dr. Tori A Matthews. Dr. Matthews, a biology professor at MCC, has spoken to students and scientists alike, all across the globe. His research in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics has been featured in over 20 publications. It is Dr. Matthews commitment to teaching, to making a difference even if only for one student, that has made his undeniable passion so contagious. What an inspiration!
Dr. Matthews encouraged our students to work harder, to take a moment and treasure this accomplishment of joining the National Honor Society, but to never get too complacent. “Rise to the challenge, don’t except good enough” implored Dr. Matthews. “In all that I do, I put things in perspective… I don’t forget that these accomplishments don’t change who I am.” Throughout Dr. Matthews speech, his main focus was character. We all make sacrifices and tackle varying obstacles to reach our goal, but it’s our character, choosing to do better and strive for more to make a difference, that matters most. Thank you Dr. Matthews!
Students were given the chance to thank faculty who have helped and inspired them during this academic year. Special thanks to Mrs. Rowley, who helped students serve the community in various projects.
Thank you to all parents, faculty, and staff for attending the ceremony. Congratulations students!
Special thanks to our advisers, Mr. Ersoz and Ms. Walters!