The Greater Houlton Christian Academy held its National Honor Society induction at the end of January. The ceremony was held at the Military Street Baptist Church, with two inductees — Alex Angotti and Lauren Robertson, joining Allison Little, Sara Hemingway and Ashley Greenier.
“I want to congratulate and commend you who are to be inducted and those GHCA students who are already members,” said Mari Glatter, guest speaker.
To be considered for membership in the NHS, a student must meet four criteria that have been established by the national committee. A student is eligible if they have outstanding performance in the areas of scholarship, character, service and leadership. These criteria for selection form the foundation upon which the organization and its activities are built.
Contributed photograph
NEW INDUCTEES — Inducted this year into the Greater Houlton Christian Academy National HonorSociety are, from left, Lauren Robertson and Alex Angotti. They join Allison Little, Sara Hemingway and Ashley Greenier.
“The two students who are being honored, as meeting all of the characteristics set forth by the National Honor Society, I applaud you,” Glatter said. “I also want to challenge you and the rest of this student body to consider another set of honor criterion set forth by God. Colossians sets forth a standard of conduct that we can use to evaluate our Christian walk.”
Scholarship — Scholarship from a NHS perspective is defined by a high cumulative grade point average, usually an 85 or above.
“That takes concentration, determination and sometimes just plain hard work,” Glatter said. “Bravo on diligently working toward the high caliber of work that earned you recognition by your teachers. So what kind of scholarship might we all want to strive for? Definitely academic, but we can also read in Colossians 3:1-2 ‘Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.’
So, we are to study up on things beyond the earth, things of God, things above. How do we do this? The same way that we would have to study up for a history test: get out the textbook (aka Bible) read it, take notes, highlight sections that are important to remember later, get study partners, memorize chunks,” she added.
Glatter noted that as people we can all spot bad character a mile away and easily agree with the list of good characters attributes that the NHS sets forth.
“The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, and generally maintains a good and clean lifestyle,” Glatter said.
“Scripture is full of examples of good, Godly character — but sticking with the Colossians passage, 3:5-8, Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, Glatter added.
“Wow, this is a really high standard,” noted Glatter. “Colossian’s list includes those parts of character that we aren’t to do, like anger, greed and filthy language and the good character practices of compassion, gentleness and patience. Guess what? In God’s character description, all the etiquette lessons or manners lecture in the world won’t qualify us to meet His standard. We can’t do this on our own. It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit that I can possibly be patient when my kids forget to put away their dirty dishes for the 20th time that week. It is only the Holy Spirit that can keep me from freaking out in anger when some crazy driver cuts me off on Route 1. It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit that you will be able to keep away from greed or foul language.”
Service is defined by the NHS as voluntarily giving to your school or community with a positive, courteous and enthusiastic spirit.
“Service is definitely a Biblical attribute we are familiar with, but the apostle Paul stretches our definition even more in Colossians 3:13-14: ‘Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.’
“It can be fairly easy for me to take care of cute toddlers for an hour on Sunday morning, It is pretty simple to be positive and encouraging for an hour once a week, but it is way harder to graciously put up with, bear with, forgive the kid that is in your class that drives you nuts,” added Glatter. “And how about loving your siblings – whoa baby – that’s tough!”
The last characteristic deemed necessary by the NHS for membership is leadership. NHS defines student leaders as those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life.
“These adjectives describe you two,” Glatter said referring to Angotti and Robertson. “You have demonstrated leadership within the halls of GHCA. Our schools need dependable, resourceful leaders. Our town needs leaders. Our state needs leaders. Our country needs leaders. This world will always need leaders who exemplify positive attitudes about life. God is also looking for leaders. His definition of leadership is one who points others to Him.”
Verses 16-17 of Colossians 3 reads: ‘Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’ May we be the kind of people who point to God, who through his grace lead others to an understanding of salvation, she said.
‘Scholarship, leadership, service and character. Four attributes that are written on my Certificate of Membership and four qualities that the faculty of Greater Houlton Christian Academy have recognized in you,” Glatter said. “May we all be encouraged by the example that you two have shown and may we be encouraged pursue the honorable qualities of being a Christ follower.”
