CCHS inducts 18 into National Honor Society

During the annual National Honor Society induction ceremony Tuesday evening, 18 Creston Community High School students were welcomed into its ranks.

In her closing remarks, Creston Community High School teacher and coach Maggie Arnold reminded the inductees of the four pillars of the National Honor Society – service, character, scholarship and citizenship.

“You can lead without being a dictator, you can learn even when you’ve graduated, you can always serve others, and your character will shine bright when you are doing the right thing when no one is watching,” she said.

Arnold said each of the students on the CCHS stage already knows what it takes to be a leader among their peers but offered five pieces of advice as they grow as leaders, become stronger role models and thrive beyond the confines of the school.

“You are not perfect ... and that’s OK,” said Arnold. “When faced with a situation where you did not succeed, conquer or win, or maybe you just weren’t right, it’s important to look at that situation and ask yourself if you gave it all that you could, identify where you made the mistake and learn from it.”

Arnold emphasized that actions will have a reaction or consequence, the power of lifting up others to ensure the success of the whole – whether as a team, in a family or the community – and to never stop learning.

“Shut off your phone and go outside. Observe the world around you and learn from what you see. Maybe call someone with more life experience and have them teach you a new skill. And read books,” said Arnold, which lead her to her final point of aiming to continue becoming well-rounded individuals.

“Don’t focus on one area or aspect of your life and forget to leave your comfort zone. Some of the most rewarding and crucial moments in our life come from times when we were uncomfortable,” she said. “You’ll never know your calling if you’re never willing to go out and find it.”

During a phone interview Tuesday, Principal Bill Messerole expressed his pride.

“One thing that stood out to me with this particular group was the number of hours they put in to serving the community,” he said. “It’s always neat, as a principal, to see the students go beyond the classroom ... They also excel in so many other areas. It’s not easy to get in the National Honor Society, so I am always very proud of the students that do.”

The National Honor Society is open to members in grades 10 through 12 who meet its chapter requirements, which are based on the four aforementioned pillars. Per national guidelines, at a minimum, students must have a cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent standard of excellence; make voluntary contributions to the school or community without compensation; demonstrate resourcefulness, good problem-solving skills and contribute ideas; and display good character, high levels of honesty and reliability and show courtesy, concern and respect for others.

The 2021 CCHS National Honor Society inductees are:

Hannah Dryden, a letter winner in volleyball, and a three time Peppers dance team letterer. Dryden was a part of the sprint medley team that competed at the State Track meet. After graduation, Dryden plans to attend Southwestern Community College before transferring to Buena Vista University to major in secondary education.

Halle Evans is in 4H and is an FFA officer. Evans assists in setting up the “Running on Tradition 5k” and is also a “Mud Run” coordinator. She is a three-year member of Youth Answering the Call of the Community. Evans’s future plans include attending university to major in Ag studies.

Brianna Fields is a three-time varsity basketball and volleyball letter winner. She also qualified for state track in the distance and the sprint medleys. Fields plans to go into elementary education.

Katelyn Fogelsong is a nine-year 4-H member. She’s also served on the Union County Youth Council for three years and six years as a member of her youth group. Fogelsong’s future plans include attending Ellsworth Community College before transferring to a four year university to major in Ag business and Ag communications.

Avery Fuller is a second-year letter winner in football and baseball and participated in Boy Scouts for five years. He would like to attend West Point and enter its pre-med program.

Gracie Hagle is a four year Creston High School Softball starter and a state softball tournament participant. She is also a three-year member of the CCHS basketball team. Hagle has been elected into student council for the past two years.

Brianna Hayes participates in track and field, and she is a prominent member of the color guard and winter guard teams. She is described as a dedicated student as she has a near perfect attendance record. Hayes plans to attend Iowa State University and major in Family and Consumer Science Education.

Tyler Loudon is an avid fisherman and cattleman. He won his third fishing tournament by 11 pounds and went to FFA nationals for creed speaking. Loudon’s future plans are to attend Texas A&M to major in animal science and minor in sales. His goal is to become a salesman in the cattle industry and wholesale real estate.

Anna Mikkelsen is an FFA officer and is part of The Crossing executive team. She was key in the foundation of The Crossing, which included work in marketing, community building and design. Mikkelsen was also a running para for the middle school cross country team. Mikkelsen’s future plans are to major in psychology.

Megan Pellman is involved in football cheerleading, speech team and is a dancer at the Spotlight School of Dance. While she is currently undecided about what college she will attend in 2022, she knows that she would like to major in business management.

Brittany Seals is known for her participation in the arts as she is a member of band and speech team. Seals is an active member of 4-H. Her future plans include going to SWCC to get her AA before transferring to Purdue University in Indiana to study Astronomy and Physics.

Taylor Seaton is on the CCHS track and field team, a member of Color Guard and had the honor of being a part of the state competition team. She is the bass clarinet section leader for the CCHS band. Seaton’s plans are to attend SWCC and get her registered nursing license before continuing her education at a four year university.

Haley Simmons participates in the band and is the percussion section leader. She is part of the guard and was in the state winter guard routine. Simmons, who is also in robotics and leads in programming, plans to major in computer engineering in college.

Mallory Tallmon is the Highland Highlights 4-H president and Creston FFA co-reporter. She is also a wrestling cheerleader. Tallmon’s post high school plans are to attend a four year university and major in an agricultural field.

Josie Travis is the “5K Running on Tradition” director. She is also a two-year officer of FFA and the three-year president of 4-H Horse and Riders club. Her future plans are to attend Buena Vista for Elementary Education.

Christopher Wilson is a three-time varsity football and varsity wrestling letter winner. He has also been a Boy Scout for six years and has achieved the highest honor as an Eagle Scout. Wilson’s future plans include majoring in business and playing football.