RUMFORD — Ten juniors and seven sophomores at Mountain Valley High School took the National Honor Society pledge to hold to scholarly habits, engage in worthy service and lead forward in all things. By doing that, they commit to advance the welfare of the school.

President Garrett Carver and Vice President Andrew Boucher led the induction ceremony. Both reported on the activities of the Mountain Valley chapter, including a food drive, tutoring and care packages on Make a Difference Day. The chapter also helped with the success of the state organization’s service project. NHS chapters across the state raised more than $4100 and exceeded the goal of packaging 10,000 meals for Stop Hunger Now.

Carver introduced the guest speaker, Eileen Adams. Adams is a reporter for the Sun Journal who covers education and writes a gardening column. She earned her undergraduate degree at University of Maine at Farmington and a masters degree from State University of New York at Albany.

“I’ve covered many NHS stories over my 20 years of reporting,” Adams began. “I know you work very hard for this honor. Your parents and friends are very proud of you and they should be. Not everyone is chosen. It takes good grades, solid character, the ability to influence others by leadership and service.”

“Recently, I have interviewed seven sets of valedictorians and salutatorians. One of them told me that half of the battle is to show up. NHS students do more than just show up. They give of themselves.”

Adams then defined the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, service, character and leadership.

Adams concluded, “The high school is very fortunate to have you and you are fortunate to have a high school that does so much for you. I wish you the best of luck – keep plugging and success will come.”

The inductees included juniors Elizabeth Adley, Anthony Boucher, Katherine Collette, Travis Ford, Morgan Gordon, Shannon Laubauskas, Katherine Mills, Kayla Pingree, Kaitlin Virgin and Brittany Wakefield.

The sophomores are Corbin Arsenault, Nathan Billings, Nicholas Billings, Carita DeTellis, Caleb Gauvin, Adelle Oswald and Abby Parent.

Principal Matt Gilbert presented pins and certificates to each inductee. He concluded the ceremony with “All of you have the ability to influence others. I challenge you to influence by finding your own voice. Your unique voice expresses what you stand for. Sometimes we will hear your voice in the newspaper or while performing music. Sometimes it will not be easy to have a voice. Stay true to your voice.”

Family and friends joined the new NHS members for congratulations, pictures and refreshments.