By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
More than 120 students were recognized Thursday night as North Attleborough High School welcomed a new class of inductees across multiple academic and extracurricular honor societies.
The ceremony, held April 30 in the school’s Kenneth G. Pickering Gymnasium, celebrated student achievement in scholarship, leadership, service and character — core pillars shared across the five honor societies represented.
“It is a privilege to stand before you as we recognize the incredible achievements of our inductees,” NAHS Principal T.J. Rizzo said. “Through your acceptance, you’ve proven you have the discipline to learn, the initiative to lead, the heart to serve and the integrity to stay grounded.”
Rizzo encouraged students to carry those values forward beyond the ceremony.
“The work continues tomorrow,” he said. “You will inevitably experience success and setbacks — I challenge you to accept both with grace.”
The evening featured inductions into the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, International Thespian Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society and the school’s two world language honor societies. In total, 125 students were inducted, with some earning recognition in more than one society.
Students from each organization reflected on the meaning behind their respective disciplines. Sam Nikou, leader of the National Art Honor Society, highlighted the broader impact of creative expression.
“Together, through the transformative power of art, we can create a vibrant artistic community,” Nikou said. “You are creators, innovators and leaders.”
Representatives from the National Honor Society emphasized its longstanding mission of promoting scholarship and character, while also encouraging leadership development among members.
In the performing arts, the International Thespian Society recognized students who have dedicated at least 100 hours to theater, both on stage and behind the scenes.
“Theater is more than a performance — it’s a collaboration,” student leaders said, noting the organization’s nearly century-long history of honoring commitment to the craft.
The Tri-M Music Honor Society similarly focused on service through the arts, with President Jillian O’Hara describing the group’s role in fostering leadership and community impact through music education and outreach.
Language as connection
A significant portion of the ceremony was dedicated to the world language honor societies, which inducted 39 new members this year. Students are eligible after at least three years of language study while maintaining an honors-level average and demonstrating a commitment to continued learning.
Speakers emphasized language as both an academic pursuit and a bridge between cultures.
“Language is the most potent tool we have to tie people together,” Rizzo said. “It allows us to step outside our own experiences.”
The school’s chapter includes both French and Spanish honor societies, each rooted in longstanding national organizations and shared values around cultural understanding.
The French Honor Society highlighted its guiding principle — “The man who knows two languages is worth two men” — while encouraging students to continue their studies and pass on an appreciation for French language and culture.
Similarly, the Spanish Honor Society emphasized its motto, “Todos a una,” or “All for one,” reinforcing the idea that language can unite people across differences in background, race and religion.
Together, speakers said, the programs reflect a broader goal of using language, not just for communication, but as a means of building connection, empathy and global awareness.
Rizzo echoed that sentiment while challenging students to use their achievements as a foundation for future impact.
“The world doesn’t need more bystanders,” he said. “It needs people who are passionate about what they believe in and who lead with conviction.”