The fourth cohort of the Berlin High School Chapter of Rho Kappa, NCSS was honored in the high school’s auditorium on Wednesday, March 16th in the presence of family, friends, and school staff. As part of the proceedings, the 17 inductees took a pledge focused on the core organizational principles of truth, knowledge, wisdom, and service.
The Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society was established by the National Council for the Social Studies in December, 2011. It is the only national organization that recognizes high school juniors and seniors for excellence in the field of social studies. Currently, there are Rho Kappa chapters in 41 states and the District of Columbia, with 22 chapters established in Connecticut. There are also chapters in China, Germany, Italy, and Singapore. According to its bylaws, the Berlin High School Chapter of Rho Kappa, NCSS is a Social Studies Honor Society that promotes scholarship and recognizes academic excellence in social studies among high school students; encourages interest in, understanding of, and appreciation for the social studies; and supports the interest, knowledge of, and participation in civic affairs through scheduled activities throughout the year.
Among the criteria to be eligible for admission in the Berlin High School Chapter of Rho Kappa NCSS, students must have completed four semesters in the field of social studies and be prepared to complete at least six semesters. Students must also have a minimum weighted GPA of a 3.5 on the 4.0 BHS scale for social studies courses, and an overall GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, all candidates must have demonstrated civic engagement in the community or school.
The ceremony was designed and conducted by current members, Saige Beatman, Jocelyn DiMatteo, Bailey Baclaski, Benjamin Fisher, Isabella DeFrancesco, and Sarah Al Mozani.
Students who are members of Rho Kappa will have the opportunity to focus on a number of events and projects centered on social studies education, and will be engaged in various school-based and community service activities throughout the year. This year’s inductees are as follows:
Tamarah Ali Al Mozani
Ryan R. D. Bird
Ceylin N. Bozal
Devin E. Collins
Kevin R. Corteville
Terrence Dornfried
Elizabeth A. Dunn
Alivia E. Halkias
Brenna A. Howes
Reagan Christina McGowan
Alex Piotr Miloszewski
Marissa Modifica
Lucia Morisse-Corsetti
Klaudia Szarwacki
Jameson Urrunaga
Morgan Wesoly
Molly Williams