NHS Induction & Commemoration Ceremony

NHS Inductees!

I wasn't sure whether I needed to blog about my NHS induction or not, so I thought I'd briefly reflect on it in this post.
On October 10th I was inducted into NHS. The ceremony started at 6:00 and ended at around 8:00, and I was extremely relieved that I arrived back in time from track to attend! I was both excited and nervous for the ceremony - I have a tendency to be extremely clumsy and awkward when under pressure and I was scared that I would set my hair or someone else's dress on fire with my candle, etc.

We stand with our candles

The ceremony was really nice. Mrs Henderson, Mr Blanchard, and a number of other people gave short talks and then we were introduced, lit candles, and sworn in. I was inspired by everyone present, and motivated to excel further in academics and service. I can't wait to become a greater part of NHS and to be involved in activities that we carry out.
I'm so happy to have been given this opportunity, and I am determined to make the most out of this honour.
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Today was the commemoration ceremony for Nuriana Merali and the other people affected by the Westgate terrorist attack. It started at 2:00, and we had shortened classes for the beginning of the day, The ceremony consisted of a band performance, speeches, an unveiling, and balloons being released in memory of the member of our community lost.

As a part of NHS I was in charge of ushering and handing out balloons in this ceremony. I helped Natasha Mawjee usher for middle school, which was challenging due to the lack of space and the chaos that followed the elementary, middle and high school all trying to find their way around in the limited space. However, we managed and could soon sit down and watch the ceremony with ease.

The balloons rise into the sky

I was so touched by everything that took place, and words can't describe my confusion and sadness in the face of this attack. I don't understand how someone could have so little regard for human life and its importance, and how somebody so pure and kind could be lost to us. It is shocking to think that I could easily of lost my life in this attack, and it makes me all the more appreciative of every second that I have on this planet. I will make the most of this life, and I will make change in this world. There will always be good to combat evil.

After the first part of the ceremony we went into the MPR and retrieved the balloons. We then went out and handed them out to the 9th graders, who released them into the sky in a beautiful final act. I feel that watching them rise into the sky set everyone into the stage of accepting and letting go of the horrors that we have witnessed over these past few weeks.

I was happy to have helped out in this ceremony, if only a little. These kind of leadership tasks make me enthusiastic that NHS will help me to develop these qualities in myself. I think this was a good start to my time in this club, even if it was such a solemn occasion.