Fourteen juniors and three seniors joined Panther Valley High School’s National Honor Society during the 42nd induction ceremony, held at the high school on Tuesday evening.

Erica Tout, NHS president, welcomed everyone to the induction ceremony.

“The National Honor Society was created in order to incite, reward and encourage academic excellence, as well as service, leadership and character,” she said.

Following Tout’s introduction, the descriptions of the four virtues of the National Honor Society were read by fellow senior NHS members.

Alexa Ruzicka spoke of scholarship, Sarah Zabroski read service, Cailyn Gould read leadership and Rachelle Filer read character.

NHS co-advisers Rick Morgans and Kayla Field then introduced the new inductees, while Tout and Principal Joseph Gunnels presented the awards and pins.

The new NHS inductees are:

Seniors: Hailey Henninger, Christopher Hoover and Samantha Wildoner.

Juniors: Meghan Boyle, Charles Byers, Jenna Dubosky, Hadassah Frey, Katherine Fuos, Thomas Greco, Thaddeus Karnish, Caleb Knepper, Megan Pascoe, Lyddia Malaska, Jessica Markovich, Blake Morgans, Gianna Steber and Andrew Surotchak.

Two-year members are: Amanda Fegley, Rachelle Filer, Sarah Giordano, Cailyn Gould, Emiline Markovich, Alexa Ruzicka, Erica Tout and Sarah Zabroski.

Following the induction of new members and recognition of senior members, Gunnels addressed the audience.

He thanked the parents, teachers and everyone who supported the students and helped them succeed and become well-rounded individuals.

The National Honor Society was founded in 1921 by Dr. Edward Rynearson, a principal at Fifth Avenue High School in Pittsburgh. His goal was to recognize and award academic and social excellence in his students.