HOULTON, Maine — Noblesse oblige is a French phrase literally meaning “nobility obliges.” It is the concept that nobility extends beyond mere entitlements and requires the person with such status to fulfill social responsibilities, particularly in leadership roles. It was chosen as the National Honor Society motto.
“For to those who much is given, much is required,” said GHCA Head master John Bishop before the introduction of the two latest GHCA National Honor Society members, Rachel Potter, daughter of Barrett and Mary Potter of Houlton, and Allana Walker, daughter of Allan Walker and Angela Shea of New Brunswick.
This is the fourth National Honor Society induction ceremony held at the Academy.
Former GHCA teacher Alison Gooding, an NHS member, spoke to the candidates and the school body on the importance of scholarship, leadership, service and character.
Gooding pointed out that each of these young ladies had worked hard to achieve high grades, and that was not to be downplayed.
“But, membership is based on more than high grades,” she explained. “It’s not automatic. It’s not a right; it’s a privilege to become a member.”
Potter and Walker both display leadership and service in their school, church and community.
“These students have shown that they have good ideas for school activities, they have a good influence on classmates and they have proven themselves to be responsible,” added Gooding. “They serve, or volunteer, for activities in a way that shows they are dependable, enthusiastic and helpful.”
And, most importantly, both girls show Christian character.
“They are respectful, self-controlled, trustworthy, caring, friendly and reliable,” said Gooding.
It is estimated that more than a million students are NHS members. The benefits of achieving this status include eligibility for scholarships from the state, region and nation, along with building skills and relationships that will lead to future success.
“For example, when members participate in community service projects, serve as representatives to their schools and communities, or attend national leadership events, they connect with teachers and community leaders who can provide recommendations and references for future endeavors.
“Students can include their achievements on applications for colleges and careers,” added Gooding. “They can meet other student leaders and learn how to be more effective leaders themselves.”
For younger students, Gooding cautioned that they not get distracted and stay focused on their goals.
“I, too, was honored to be inducted into the National Honor Society nearly 40 years ago,” she said. “I remember it very well.”
She showed the students her NHS pin and her membership card.
“I was one of nine juniors to be accepted in the winter, probably January of 1976,” she added. “Ten more juniors were selected in June.”
When asked to speak at the induction ceremony, Gooding’s thoughts turned to a photograph — which she held up — that appeared in the Houlton Pioneer Times. This was before the age of digital photography when a photographer took several photos, developed the film and chose the best frame. Gooding noted she had not looked at the photographer who took the photograph.
“I was looking to the right and giggling,” she said. “When the photograph ran in the newspaper, I was so embarrassed. I was not paying attention. I got distracted. I was not thinking about the honor of being accepted into the National Honor Society. I was thinking of something else that seemed more entertaining.”
Gooding asked the students if they ever got distracted?
“Maybe you get distracted at home, and your chores don’t get done. Maybe you get distracted at school, and you don’t always strive for excellence. Maybe you get distracted by friends, as I did, and forget what is important,” said Gooding.
“Maybe you get distracted in your spiritual life, and you don’t always please God with your decisions,” she added.
Gooding explained that God’s Word says we should not be distracted from what is really important, to keep our eyes straight ahead. That brought her back to the old photograph in the Pioneer Times.
“I have not looked at this picture for many years,” she said. “I’ve remembered it, though. When I re-enacted the pose today, I made an expression to match that memory.”
When Gooding found the photograph, she was surprised.
“Instead of turning and leaning to the right, I had turned just my face and the direction of my eyes,” she said. “Certainly, I was still distracted. The photo proves that. But, my memory was wrong.”
She went on to explain that our memories are not good measuring sticks because sometimes we remember things either better than they were or worse than the really were.
“Instead, we need to keep our eyes on the prize, “the prize of the high calling,” she noted.
After reading scripture, Gooding urged students to keep their eyes straight ahead and ignore the distractions so they could reach their potential and goals by following God.
“We should not be distracted by everything that comes along,” she said. “Those distractions of the world are ultimately not worthwhile. By keeping our minds and hearts focused on God, we are showing Him that we know that our healthy relationship with Him is most important.”
