Newtown High School’s Computer Science Honor Society (CSHS) hosted an induction ceremony in the school’s lecture hall on December 9. The event marked the third induction since the chapter started, and it was the first in-person induction ceremony, as noted by NHS Computer Science teacher Kristin Violette.

Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue spoke at the event, and Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz shared a video message that spoke directly to the NHS students.

NHS Computer Science Honor Society President Sam Staybly ran most of the event, which included him sharing a speech and reading the names. Society Vice President Nick Tetreault also shared a speech, and Computer Science Honor Society students Anthony Crisci, Julia Scataglini, and Jackson Baimel helped.

According to Violette, the society has 11 existing members and 16 inductees this year. The existing members are Jackson Baimel, Anthony Crisci, Adam Dissa, Elliot Lurie, Juan Mendez, Grace Miller, Julia Scataglini, Sam Staubly, Nick Tetreault, Darren Un Trang, and Sid Vakacherla. The inductees are Andrew Arena, Leah Crebbin, Connor Dullinger, Daniya Iqbal, Aadit Jerfy, Brooke Kinsey, Max Luci-Bernard, Saahil Ray, Blake Regner, Josh Rosen, Peter Savinelli, Dominic Simpri, Sam Steare, Adrian Wadhwa, Richard Wilford, and Elijah Williams.

Following the event, Julia said in an e-mail, “I love computer science because I know through the computer science field I can create the change I would like to see in my world and have fun while I do it. The computer honor society induction went really well; I am so glad to see CSHS expanding with all of the new inductees; it makes me excited for what new events or projects we might see come in the future.”

Sam also shared his reflections on the society’s first in-person induction ceremony in an e-mail following the event.

“I think it went very well,” Sam wrote. “The goal for the event is to not only make the membership official for the 2021-22 members, but also to get people thinking about computer science.”

During the event he described how computer science is growing at an ever faster pace.

“Nearly everything around us is being automated in some way through computers,” Sam wrote. “The next generations need to understand this, and be prepared for it by learning about computer science. Gaining this knowledge on how computers work, how to program, and how to use computers to accomplish things will be very important regardless if you are heading into engineering, a medical field, or even trades.”

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Education Reporter Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.