NHS National Honor Society Recognizes Students

By Eliza Hallabeck

Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson said at the Newtown High School National Honor Society’s Annual Honors Ceremonies, held Wednesday, June 13, that the night was the perfect way to celebrate the member contributions to the school and community.

“I know as you move forward,” said the superintendent, “that these values will stay with you.”

NHS Principal Charles Dumais admitted he watches for student high achievements in the same manner that he watches for the ocean level to peak on a rock near his home in Milford. Students in the National Honor Society this year, he said, made that level higher than it has ever been.

“The things you have done in Newtown High School have really changed the high point on the rock for me,” said Mr Dumais.

National Honor Society President and NHS senior Marina Lleonart-Calvo also spoke during the event. Each year, Marina said, the president of the National Honor Society chooses a charity to donate money to, and this year she chose the Cleft Lip Foundation, which helps heal cleft lips for children who would not be able to afford the surgery otherwise.

“This year,” she said, “the National Honor Society raised enough… to make four smiles.”

More information about the Cleft Lip Foundation is available at www.operationsmile.org.

The National Honor Society’s contributions to the community in the 2011-12 school year also included working for and to help Habitat for Humanity, the 2013 Relay For Life, working with the Jones Foundation to raise awareness and help local students with autism, spending time at Masonicare of Newtown, and supporting the I Heart Art program.