Weston inducts 2 into National Honor Society

Weston High School’s chapter of National Honor Society has a couple of additional members.

On April 12, the organization recognized its accomplishments and announced its latest additions.

Newest members include Riley McDonough and Jessica Timm. They join current members Abbie Spencer, Alissa Laage, Laurissa Pickel, Hayden VanCoulter, Elie Drea, Hunter Schmitt, Ella Spencer, Chloe Gillmore and Alyshia Towne.

The special candle ceremony explored the history of the organization and explained the selection process. Students inducted into the program must excel in scholarship, service, leadership and character.

In December, Weston NHS held a blood drive, and it has another slated for May. It also hosted a giving tree around the holidays to support needy families and held a Penny War to benefit a family who lost its home to a fire. Since students couldn’t go to nursing homes, they collected bingo prizes to donate to the Sauk County Health Care Center instead.

Staffers were quick to offer praise and guidance. Weston Superintendent Gary Syftestad congratulated everyone and acknowledged their accomplishments, while NHS Advisor Carly Cleveland touched on the group’s strong points.

“This year has brought a ton of challenges, but this group of students truly excelled at finding creative solutions to these problems,” said Cleveland, in a statement. “Many of our traditional activities were not allowed this year due to COVID. Many students have had to go virtual for periods of time or, in some cases, the entire school went virtual. However, this group did not let these challenges become excuses. Knowing that there is always good work to be done, they set their minds to work and found opportunities to help those in need.”