Only the best and brightest sophomores and juniors were present at the Arista National Honors ceremony on May 8. While it was the sophomores’ first year being chosen to partake in such a prestigious society, the juniors were officially inducted after working hard to keep their grades up for the past two years.

In order to become a member of Arista, students must maintain an average of 85.  They must also complete 15 hours each of community and school service and write an essay.

After lining up alphabetically according to last name, the students proceeded into the auditorium where they were greeted with the beaming, proud faces of parents and family members.  Once everyone was seated in the auditorium, both Dr. Curtis and Mr. Bresowsky, the Arista advisor, spoke to the classes of 2014 and 2015.

Following the speeches was the candle lighting ceremony, in which the torch of education and loyalty to school and community was passed down to the new members of Arista.  Sophomores and juniors held their own lit candles and recited the National Honor Society Pledge together.  In it they promised, “I will be loyal to my school; and will maintain and encourage high standards of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.”

Finally, individual members of the classes 2014 and 2015 were called up to the stage to receive their Arista certificates; juniors also received Arista pins.

“My mom was really proud of me, so I’m happy that my mom was happy,” said Annelise Torres, sophomore.

Emily Waite, a junior and two-year member of Arista, said she is relieved she doesn’t have to go through the process next year, but also glad because her parents are proud of her.  In regards to obtaining the total number of school and community service hours, Waite said, “It was easy because I had 2-3 years to get it all done, and being an active part of the community is really gratifying.”

Arista also brought back fond memories for some.  Luis Gutierrez, sophomore, said, “I get a nostalgic feeling because in sixth, seventh and eighth grade I used to be in Arista, so it’s great to come back to that.”