During the prayer service, President Frather Joel Martin, O.S.B., delivered an uplifting message, reminding students of the purpose of St. Bernard. “Of course, you want to make good grades and get admitted to the college you choose,” he said, “but our purpose is much bigger than those; you are called to greatness.”

Father Joel encouraged students to make the purpose of being at St. Bernard a reality in their life.  “We are here to know what is true, do what is good, and delight in what is beautiful,” Father Joel said, adding, “God is truth, goodness, and beauty, and St. Bernard wants each of you to know, love, and serve Him, accepting challenges, living, and guiding others, using Gods gifts just as these students being honored today have.”

Father Joel thanked the student body for helping these students being honored along the way. “It’s a cool thing at St. Bernard to do what these students have done; you’ve helped make their achievement possible.”

Following the prayer service, Joseph Bond, Honor Society faculty moderator, turned the program over to Honor Society Officers.

Students recognized the four qualities exemplified in NHS — scholarship, leadership, service, and character — by lighting candles representing each.

Natalie Garcia spoke about scholarship and the commitment to learning. Riley Holmes addressed service and establishing a routine of giving to others. Maddie McBride explained leadership and taking the initiative to train and aid others. Lastly, Cole Bissot defined character as the personal commitment to moral and compassionate decision-making.

Each student was awarded a membership certificate and pin by Bond and Father Joel.

After accepting this honor, students pledged to maintain high scholastic standing, to hold as fundamental and worthy an untarnished character, to endeavor intelligently and courageously to be a leader, and to give of themselves freely in service to others.

The National Honor Society is the nation's premier organization recognizing outstanding high school students. More than just an academic honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character that demonstrate fullness of life. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the society since its beginnings in 1921.

Music was presented by St. Bernard Choral music, under the direction of Ashley Russell, with support from Jonathan Farley and St. Bernard instrumental music. The event ended with the singing of the school’s Alma Mater and a blessing of all those in attendance.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held for Honor Society members and their parents in the Dining Hall’s Brahma Room.