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The ceremony opened with speeches from current NHS members on the four pillars of NHS: Leadership, Character, Scholarship, and Service. The inductees were then welcomed into the organization by current members, who gave them an NHS robe along with a hug or a handshake. New members recited the NHS oath, pledging themselves to uphold a higher purpose and be true to the principles NHS stands for.

Following the oath, keynote speaker and RVHS teacher Kristine Dorrian spoke about the importance of failure in finding success. She explained that the beauty of failure is that it provides a new perspective and a new way to solve a problem. “Failure builds perseverance, and perseverance builds character,” said Dorrian. “When you are met with failure, your determination and character will carry you toward a path of success.” She went on to tell the students, “Without failure, we would not achieve what we are truly meant for. So remember, when you feel like you have failed, accept it, look for new opportunities, and most importantly, keep moving forward.”

The ceremony concluded with congratulatory remarks from Rondout Valley Central School District Superintendent Dr. Paul Spadaro and closing remarks from NHS advisor and school-to-work counselor Kristine Jarvis about the impactful work the NHS is doing, including raising more than $8,000 for the Special Olympics this past winter through the Polar Plunge event.

Congratulations to the 2026 RVHS NHS inductees: Laurelin Allatta, Lillian Brewer, Goldy Conlin, Madelyn Cowburn, Jackson Davenport, Audrey Dennin, Nina DiDonato, Tobin Ermer, Poet Farrell, Stella Greco, Jacob Heyl, Kadi Holt, Luke Johnson, Peyton Kastanis, Lyla Lemister, Hokai Liu, Connor Murray, Sophia Mykula, Aiden Olivieri, Jaxon Podes, Samatha Reyes, Samantha Schneller, Ella Schoonmaker, Elouise Shea, Lola Sherwood, Nathaniel Stupple, and Jamison Wilhelm.