St. George’s Primary School created history on Thursday January, 31, 2013 by becoming the first school in the Territory to induct members into the National Elementary Honour Society (NEHS). Photo: Curtis DaRavariere/ Paul's Photo Studios

Premier Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith, a grandparent of one of the students, noted that St. George’s has always been a pace setter and that this initiative of inducting members into the National Elementary Honour Society (NEHS) would help students to strive for better grades. Photo: Curtis DaRavariere/Paul's Photo Studios

Some 69 students were inducted into the organisation during a dinner at the Moorings Mariner Inn that was attended by more than 100 parents and supporters. Photo: Curtis DaRavariere/Paul's Photo Studios.

Guest Speaker, Mrs Karia Christopher, the mother of two inductees, told the students that as part of the first cohort of NEHS members in the Territory their names have been etched into Virgin Islands history. However, she warned them not to become comfortable with this achievement, but to set their goals even higher and to step out of their comfort zones and define their own brand. Photo: Curtis DaRavariere/Paul's Photo Studios

Some 69 students were inducted into the organisation during a dinner at the Moorings Mariner Inn that was attended by more than 100 parents and supporters.

The NEHS was set up to recognize elementary school students who excel in scholarship and responsibility, and to train them for leadership and service.

In his remarks, Premier Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith, a grandparent of one of the students, noted that St. George’s has always been a pace setter and that this initiative would help students to strive for better grades. Fr. Ronald Branche, Vice-Chair of the school board, stressed that the St. George’s Schools have tried consistently to raise the bar in the field of education and urged the students to keep striving for excellence.

He pointed out that membership in the society is not based solely on academics, but that the focus is also on character-building by teaching responsibility and accountability.

Guest Speaker, Mrs Karia Christopher, the mother of two inductees, told the students that as part of the first cohort of NEHS members in the Territory their names have been etched into Virgin Islands history. However, she warned them not to become comfortable with this achievement, but to set their goals even higher and to step out of their comfort zones and define their own brand.

She stressed that their lives must reflect integrity, discipline, community involvement and a fearless attitude. Mrs Christopher urged the honour students to see themselves as their biggest competition and reminded them to maintain a strong commitment to God.

In congratulating the inductees, school principal, Ms Claudette Llandover, pointed out that being part of the National Elementary Honour Society means more than being on the Honour Roll as members are expected “to demonstrate the outstanding qualities of Leadership, Scholarship, Service, Responsibility and Character”. She urged them not to let the honour go to their heads, but instead to remember the school’s motto and continue to strive for excellence with God’s help.

Reminding her listeners that there is always room for improvement, Ms Llandover said they should be positive, courteous, and enthusiastic as they volunteer at school and in the wider community. She called on them to lead by example, to become good problem solvers, to be dependable, and to have positive attitudes about themselves and about life.

She also urged them to uphold principles of morality, ethics, honesty, reliability, and respect for themselves and others. According to her, through the Honour Society they must be “the guiding light, the motivating factor” at St. George’s so that their peers will emulate them and strive for success.

The President of the St. George’s chapter of the National Elementary Honour Society is Shakima Fagan, a Class 5 student. Ms Fagan gave a brief outline of the chapter’s upcoming projects for this academic year, which include a food drive and an environmental cleanup.

The National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) is a programme of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) in cooperation with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).

It was formed in 2008 and joins the National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), the oldest and largest student recognition programmes for schools in the US and Canada.