Academic excellence and exemplary conduct shone brightly when Thomas County Central High School National Honor Society chapter inducted 98 members Monday, Oct. 26.

The ceremony was split into two groups one hour apart according to the inductee’s last name. All participants wore masks. The event took place in the Frank Delaney Jr. Gymnasium, where members of the TCCHS Best of the Nest bands provided musical entertainment for the audiences.

“I appreciate that the effort I put into my academics is being recognized,” inductee Olivia Troyer said. “I am honored to be a part of NHS, and I look forward to the future.”

Norman Desourdy expressed happy shock at making the cut.

“I am still shocked that I made it,” he said. “I have been working so hard to make it into the society that I could not even process that I even made it in. At the same time, I feel incredibly honored to have been selected.”

NHS is a national organization for outstanding high school students, explains TCCHS chapter adviser Brett James.

“To join our chapter, students must maintain an A average in their academic classes and have no major disciplinary issues,” he said. “Our students are also required to complete at least 50 hours of community service.”

James adds that being a member of this nationally-recognized society can help students in their postsecondary education.

“With our graduates attending colleges and universities all over the country, this is helpful when applying because admission departments are familiar with the requirements of NHS,” he said. “They know that our students are a cut above the rest. It can also open many doors, such as scholarships or help students learn they have a heart for a particular need in society.”

Desourdy’s hope, exactly.

“I hope that my induction will allow me to keep a level head and a clear goal ahead through my last two years of high school, as well as propel me into being accepted at Georgia Tech,” he said.