Silence flooded the River of Grass (ROG) auditorium on Tuesday, March 10, at 6:30 pm as the melodic sounds of music flowed through it during the beginning of the National Honor Society (NHS) induction.

The new inductees walked towards the stage and sat down in their designated seats as parents were seated throughout the auditorium. 

On the stage sat NHS officers, NHS sponsor Jillian Palacio, Peter Bayer, the principal of PPCHS, and Frank Castillo, the mayor of Pembroke Pines.

After the music stopped, and all inductees were seated, senior and NHS president Kaitlyn Oramas greeted the crowd and introduced herself, as well as the officers. 

Oramas notes, “As I sat up on the stage, looking at the future of our organization, it reminded me of the time when I was sitting in those same auditorium seats, hoping to achieve great things within NHS.” 

She then called Sergeant at Arms, senior Paige McCarthy, to the microphone to say the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by speeches by Mayor Castillo and Principal Bayer.

These speeches honored the new inductees as well as explaining what NHS means to our school and the city. 

After the speeches, inductees were sworn into the honor society. The whispers of them echoed throughout the ROG as they read the pledge to join NHS out loud.

This was followed by the names of the new members being called up to shake the hands of the sponsor, principal, and board members as they received their certificate of membership. 

Then, there was a candle lighting led by the officers as they lit “the four pillars,” symbolizing scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

This ceremony was a transfer of knowledge and leadership to the next generation and new NHS members.

This was followed by refreshments and cake provided to the audience and new members. 

“It felt really cool to be recognized for things that I do within and beyond the school and to be a part of a community of peers with similar ambitions and interests,” mentions sophomore Shriya Sardesai. 

This induction symbolized the stepping up of underclassmen and a new chapter of NHS.

The 2025-26 NHS members’ mark will be engraved at Charter, as they are finalists in the county for their service projects this year. 

“As I leave this club in May, I have high hopes that the forte of this club will continue to carry out the legacy that we have created,” Oramas reflects.