INDUCTION — Approximately 30 fourth-graders at Cross Creek Elementary School were inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society on Jan. 23, pledging to follow the four pillars of the organization, including scholarship, responsibility, service and leadership. Among those signing as one of the newest members was Aria June. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — Cross Creek Elementary School welcomed its newest inductees into the National Elementary Honor Society on Jan. 23.

Approximately 30 fourth-graders were recognized during a ceremony in which they were inducted by the senior officers of Indian Creek High School’s National Honor Society.

Requirements to join the elementary’s honor society includes having a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher and maintaining good attendance. Students must have three or fewer unexcused absences or tardies to qualify.

School counselor and co-adviser Brittany Shank welcomed the family members of those fourth- through sixth-graders who signed on as the school organization’s newest members.

The honor society maintains students must uphold the four pillars of the organization, including scholarship, responsibility, service and leadership.

High school officers conducted the readings of each pillar, with President Jacob Crosby identifying scholarship as a commitment to learning and growing.

Crosby explained to the elementary students scholarship means showing diligence and effort.

Vice President Gabby Boyuk discussed the pillar of responsibility, referring to holding oneself to the values of honesty and committing to do what one says they will do.

Boyuk added responsibility is demonstrated not just at school, but at home and in the community. Secretary Jackson Pitts focused on service, which he defined as engaging in meaningful service voluntarily.

Treasurer Ava Christian discussed leadership to the students, defining it as taking ownership and responsibility for one’s own actions. She noted leaders must have self-confidence.

Candles were lit to represent these four pillars. The inductees’ names were announced by co-adviser Bobbie Jo Agin.

Each new member signed a pledge and received a letter from a community member, along with a token of appreciation.

Among the inductees were Makenna Anderson, Ethan Armfield, Elliott Barrett, Ziva Billick, Kason Channels, Ada DeStefano, Catalaya Doty, Daisy Graham, Madelyn Hanlin, Danilo Howard, Aria June, Wren Kujawa, Isaac Leonhart, Holden Marinacci, Shane Mathess, Zoey McGraw, Ella McMillen, Isaiah Pavlic, Iyiana Pavlic, Mia Pinkerton, Brinlyn Roghelia, Max Stewart, Emma Stojack, Christopher Taylor, Gianna Tessler, Aubrey Tibbs, Xander Westbrook and Safiyyah Williams.

Principal Dan Hartman served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker.

Hartman said students should feel immense pride for their achievement.

“This day didn’t happen by luck,” Hartman stated. “It happened through hard work and grit. It happened because you had focus and took school seriously. You should be proud of this. It is the beginning of your journey. I hope you strive to continue to be part of the National Honor Society while you continue through the grade levels.”

“You are ready to be better and do better,” Hartman continued. “I want you to set a goal and make it realistic. Choose something specific that you can attain. Small goals lead to big results. And use your resources. Ask a teacher, a classmate or your family. Strong students ask for help when they need it. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because they help you learn.”

Hartman encouraged students to plan for their future and lead by example. He then challenged his students to leave school ready to work harder, dream bigger and reach for their goals.

“The best part is the journey has just started, so move forward and be tenacious,” he concluded.

Shank exclaimed the elementary’s honor society will identify some of the needs within the community and participate in service learning projects. An example she noted was the idea to begin a campaign to collect hygiene projects.