On April 25, 2023, 158 juniors and seniors were inducted into the National Honor Society at Cranston High School West. The students were joined by additional members of the senior class who were inducted as juniors, and were there to be part of the ceremony, including leading the procession.

After members of the Cranston West choir sang the National Anthem, Principal John Fontaine began the speaking portion of the ceremony and addressed the students. He noted that the night’s event was a life moment, and that the students should listen to those who would be speaking that night, and reminded them that although they had worked hard to get to this point, their work was truly just beginning.

The National Honor Society board members emceed the event and led the candle-lighting service and induction ceremony. This year’s board members are: Co-presidents Arpi Donoyan and Emma Lancellotta, Social media vice presidents Alexandra Cowart and Jovina Yu, Community Service Vice Presidents Molly Fitzgerald and Amanda Reddy, and Fundraising co-chairpersons, Marina Mancini and Jacob Morais.

Principal Fontaine then introduced Mayor Kenneth Hopkins. Mayor Hopkins congratulated all of the students and acknowledged their tremendous achievements which brought them to this point in their educational careers. He expressed his respect for their dedication to their work, their leadership qualities, their loyalty to community family and teammates, and their adaptability when faced with challenges.

Representing the school committee at the event were Frank Ritz and Anthony Melillo. Ritz delivered greetings, congratulating the students on their integrity and their ability to make a difference in their community, noting that he was confident that they would continue to make a positive impact on the world. When Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse greeted the students, she reminded them that being inducted into the National Honor Society does in fact, mean something.

“Tonight you will hear about the 4 pillars of the NHS- Character, Leadership, Scholarship and Service,” she said. “Unfortunately in our modern day world, these pillars are not as revered as they once were. Self-satisfaction by hard work, public service and academic tenacity seems to be lost in exchange for the quick, or easy decision, dollar or grade. Adherence to these values might be seen as archaic or not useful to individuals. However, I am sure that you who have done community service, taken leadership opportunities and or have excelled in your academics know the personal, intrinsic value each of these pillars have had in your lives. Being part of this honor society means something.”

She reminded the students to take the lessons they’ve learned along the way and to use them as motivation for the future, and that the work they’ve done tells anyone who reads their resume that they are someone who believes in the value of hard work and of service.

“You contribute to all that is good in the world,” she said. “I thank you for that! Our community is a better place thanks to all of you.”

Keynote speaker and English Department Chairperson at Cranston West, Stephanie Kaffenberger used her English educator background to impart her advice on the students, comparing the four pillars of the National Honor Society to characters in works of literature who also exhibit those qualities. She encouraged them to take the good that these characters had in them, and emulate it, while leaving behind the qualities that were less positive.

“As you continue to take on new leadership roles in life, model Atticus’s quiet wisdom, patience, righteousness and empathy. Be brave and loyal like Macbeth, but keep your ambition in check and resist the temptation to compromise your morals for the sake of advancement,” she said, using Atticus Finch and Macbeth as two of her examples for the leadership pillar. She cited Ebeneezer Scrooge and Marley as her example when discussing the pillar of Community Service

“Scrooge personifies the words that Marley echoes that day- changing the trajectory of life for those around him. This tale underscores one of our greatest gifts: our humanity: our capacity to care for, love and help our fellow human beings. Let us remember Marley’s words and always make mankind our business as we continue through life,” she said.

As she concluded her speech, she reminded the students that scholarship comes from outside of the classroom as well, and spoke about the life lessons she learned from her grandmother when she accompanied her to Italy to the cave where she and her family hid from Nazi soldiers during World War II.

“Although I had heard the story many times, walking in that cave with my grandmother who hadn’t been there in over 70 years was truly surreal. I decided I needed to experience the settings of many of her stories for myself, so I took her to Italy and did just that,” she said. “That was my experience, and one of the most incredible ones of my life. Don’t underestimate the value of life experiences, both good and bad, for each of them reveal valuable lessons.”

Kaffenberger concluded her keynote speech with the pillar of character, using two characters in a paradoxical way, to illustrate her points, Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s creature from Frankenstein and Grendel from Beowulf.

“No, these are not characters whose behaviors we want to model, but they’re characters we can learn from nonetheless,” she said. “Both creatures want one thing from mankind, acceptance, yet they are treated harshly and cast aside because of their hideous looks. In both works of literature the authors caution us about the dangers of cruelty, discrimination and isolation. These characters become vengeful and wreak havoc on their society because they are forsaken. The lesson here is that our actions towards one another can have lasting consequences, so we must always practice our Falcon motto, ‘give, get respect.’ regardless of one’s race, ethnicity, culture or creed.”

She also reminded the students how to help those who aren’t capable of good moral character to learn from their examples as those who are.

“Because moral character is a high calling, understand that not everyone is capable of it, so when others wrong or disrespect you, do not lash out like Frankenstein’s creature or Grendel; instead, create opportunities for them to grow. Practicing good character such as honesty, integrity, loyalty, perseverance and respect is not easy, which is why you are being celebrated for it here tonight. But even when there’s no reward, or celebration, understand the profound impact that your positive character and contributions have on the greater good,” she said. “And when you slip up and make mistakes, which we all do, remember that like our characters, we are capable of great change. As human beings we are all dynamic and have the ability to better ourselves every day. Reflect on who you are at various times in your life and ask yourself, ‘Is this person someone my younger self would be proud of or my future children should model?’ If the answer is no, make a change.”

Several students received awards at the conclusion of the ceremony. Their names and awards are listed below. Trenton Kiernan, Jae S. Lim Scholarship Award in Mathematics Christopher Harvey, Rensselaer Medal Leah Trek, URI Book Award Sophie Appel, Harvard Book Award for English Leah Trek, Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award Jennifer Tran, Jae S. Lim Foundation Science Grant ($1000)