Sixty-seven juniors joined the Queensbury High School Chapter of the National Honor Society in a ceremony Wednesday, March 29 at Queensbury High School.
To be considered, students must achieve a grade point average for the first five semesters of high school of 89.5 or higher while challenging themselves with rigorous coursework. They also have to be active participants in both the school and community.
When faculty members evaluate applications, they consider academic accomplishments, leadership, character and service backgrounds of each individual, said QHS Principal Andy Snide.
“The outstanding character traits that brought all of you to this point in your school career are the same ones that will continue to make you successful in the future,” Snide said. “You all have displayed your ability to lead, foster citizenship and continue to balance the rigor of your academic responsibilities, not only for your own benefit, but for all of those around you.”
The current NHS seniors have participated in numerous community service projects such as serving dinner to senior citizens, helping at open house, raising money and donating items to the Snack Pack program, and writing messages in sidewalk chalk to promote a positive school environment.
“At the end of the school year, our National Honor Society members will have performed over 2,800 hours of community service,” Snide added.
Superintendent Kyle Gannon told the incoming members that he was proud of them for being well-rounded people.
“It means that you not only excel in academics, but you participate in extracurriculars and are involved in your community,” Gannon said. “But to me, well-rounded means that you have put in the hard work and effort. You are dedicated to being your best selves.”
All of the students inducted embody the National Honor Society’s four pillars: character, scholarship, service and leadership.
Four Queensbury teachers were honored during the ceremony. NHS Vice President Ye-Rin Chang presented the leadership award to high school English teacher Kerri Bundy.
“Mrs. Bundy is not only passionate and a constant giver to our community, but she is also one of the most conscientious and influential teachers I’ve ever had in my academic career,” Ye-Rin said.
NHS Secretary Madelyn Powers presented the character award to high school social studies teacher Joel Brown, because he always finds a way to make class entertaining.
“I always looked forward to walking into Mr. Brown’s classroom, even when we had a test, because he always reassured us that we were prepared and would be fine,” Madelyn said. “Even when we were all restricted to our homes with COVID, he was able to make our work captivating.”
NHS Treasurer Aislynn Dixon presented the service award to high school English teacher Austin Cowper.
“It is in this teacher’s nature to be of service to others, as shown through his actions as both a teacher and a coach,” Aislynn said. “This teacher services the students in his classroom and players on the field, encouraging them to become better versions of themselves through his commitment to consistency.”
NHS President Dan Aguilar gave the scholarship award to high school science teacher Emily Metzger, whom he called a “true scholar.” 
“A true scholar is someone who effectively shares their knowledge with others,” Dan said. “She shines in this regard and does so with compassion. Chemistry is a difficult subject, but she’s able to condense its intricacies into comprehensive lessons we can engage with.”
Snide presented the Principal’s Leadership Award to Dan Aguilar.
“Dan is an outstanding student, both in and out of the classroom,” Snide said. “He is an extremely conscientious student who continually demonstrates the drive and desire to excel among the finest.”