On Sunday, Oct. 13, 49 members of the Norwell High School junior class were inducted into the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) — an academic honor second only to commencement itself. The induction ceremony which took place in the high school auditorium and lasted less than 30 minutes and quite sadly, featured the following:
• No personally-written speeches nor introductory nor concluding words from the NHS sponsor. In fact, the only individuals who spoke at all were Senior members of the society who read scripted, prepared words, highlighting only the key tenants of the NHS;
• An absolutely terrible microphone system which was barely audible even for myself who was sitting no more than seven rows back and has perfect hearing;
• Absolutely no representation from school administration: superintendent or assistant superintendent; nor any of the five members of the school board; assistant principal; nor any of the four guidance counselors. For the record, Principal Kam Meyer was in attendance as his daughter was among the 49 initiates.
Yes, to say the NHS induction left something to be desired is a gross understatement — the words “appalling and embarrassing” would seem more appropriate. What was supposed to be a very significant, memorable event highlighting the academic accomplishments of 49 Norwell Junior students was treated as an after-thought at best. In speaking with other disgruntled parents, one said to me: “You know, it’s sad, but we have just come to expect that from Norwell.” Yes, very sad, indeed.
Fast forward two days to Tuesday, October 15, when the school board convened their October meeting. Throughout the meeting’s entirety, no mention was made of the 49 students inducted into NHS, although other singular students were recognized by name. Again, shameful oversight.
What’s more, each member of the board and the superintendent himself, were emailed a memo titled: “Open Letter re the Current State of the Norwell Community School System and Areas of Concern” earlier that afternoon. Other members of the community, be them parents and business leaders alike, also received said memo, in which special consideration was given to the NHS Induction, in that the school leaders should be focused on celebrating academic accomplishments, not just athletic. The poor quality of the sound system, I believe, is not a minor thing. The point being, as I wrote:
“I guarantee such overall lack of regard or attendance or concern for facility equipment would never happen on the football field.”
Judging by the board’s lack of recognition or even the slightest of commendations to the inductees, either the board and/or our superintendent: 1) Did not bother to read the memo; or, 2) Simply did not care enough to recognize the inductees — not even as a group, let alone by name — who, by their own determined academic pursuits, put in the work and drive and focus to achieve such a significant honor.
Yes, it seems Norwell H.S. has a definite “academics problem,” saying nothing of “leadership and priorities” problems as well.
Benjamin C. Wagner
rural Bluffton
