Last Thursday, Townsend Harris hosted the The National Arista Honor Society induction ceremony, which welcomed new members for the 2022-2023 school year. Though celebrated annually, this year’s induction ceremony was the first to take place with families in attendance following the pandemic. 

Arista recognizes exceptional students that meet the academic and service requirements: maintaining at least a 90% overall GPA, 50 hours of community service, one club credit, and five or fewer demerits. 

The ceremony was led by Coordinator of Student Activities Jaime Baranoff, who said that she is “very proud” of the new inductees and that it was “an honor to recognize and celebrate” them all.

The Arista ceremony featured speeches presented by Principal Condon, Senior Class President Benjamin Babayev, and THHS parent and the Founder of the Coastal Preservation Network, Kathryn Cervino. All speakers highlighted the significance of public service and congratulated the students inducted. The speeches were later followed by a candle lighting ceremony led by the Student Union and the induction ended with students being presented their certificates.

For many students, especially the Class of 2025, it was their first year being part of an honor society. Sophomore Adrita Dey said, “It was an honor being inducted and it felt great being at the ceremony.”

Sophomore Abigail Kronenberg said, “It’s something I wanted to be a part of to make myself proud. The ceremony was an opportunity to showcase [our] students’ accomplishments.”

“It was a lovely night for all of the parents and students who attended,” said Ms. Baranoff.

Additional reporting by Adiana Johnson

Photo courtesy of Kate Estevez