AUBURN – The Edward Little High School National Honor Society held its annual induction ceremony on May 20 in the gym. Most of the event was planned and conducted by current NHS members.

This year’s inductees were led into the gym by the student speakers and officers of the National Honor Society.

They marched in to a drum cadence played by Caitlyn Paige. Britney Mitchell sang “Caro Mio Ben,” then NHS Chapter President Daisy Grondin welcomed the guests and introduced Principal James Miller.

He addressed the parents, reminding them that the inductees fulfilled all of the four characteristics of the National Honor Society – scholarship, leadership, character and service – to a high degree.

Richard Gleason, Auburn’s Citizen of the Year, was guest speaker and explained how all four characteristics were important, especially service, inviting them to find a need and to serve it within the community.

Student speakers took over the program and Chelsea Martin gave an account of the NHS history, marking its 45th year at ELHS.

The four characteristics of the National Honor Society were explained by Zach Dumont, Woody MaWhinney, Tanya Gagne and Kristen Erickson. Each speaker lit a candle on the candelabra to represent the topic of his speech.

Then Teresa Ranucci, NHS chapter secretary, lit the fifth candle to symbolize a person who has all four traits.

This year’s inductees were invited to come forward to select a candle and light it from the candle of their choice on the candelabra.

They shook hands with Miller, Gleason and Grondin, who led them in the NHS pledge.

Members then exited the stage to the back of the gym where they greeted their families and friends. Refreshments, prepared by Kit Sawyer and Carolyn Ritchie, were served. Posters depicting the activities of this year’s group were on display.

Ushers for the event included Meredith Byard and Brian Dubois.

Programs were printed by Jessica Chouinard under the supervision of teacher Larry Gordon of the ELHS Graphic Arts Department.

Class of 2008 inductees included: Kelly Bernier, Maila Bourisk, Leah Costlow, Ben Demers, Renee Dufresne-Dixon, Shea Flynn, Courtney Johnson, Robert Little, Greg Merritt, Michael Muise, Sahra Odowa, Kyle Philbrook and Matthew Tribou.

Class of 2009 inductees included: Breanna Cook, Emily Dodge, Ethan Grund, Annie Helmkamp, Kaltuma Janay, Andreaska Jeffcoats, Steve Knowlton, Diana Kruszewski, Karen Leary, Rebeccah Leavitt, Ian Mulligan, Danielle Paul, Neil Pomerleau, Muriel Schwinn, Isaac Sherwood, Angela Simpson, Derek Swan, Corey Therriault, Catherine Tanous, Joshua Titus and Morgan Wilkins.