Berlin High School Students Inducted Into Rho Kappa

Information via Berlin High School

BERLIN, CT — The third cohort of the Berlin High School Chapter of Rho Kappa, NCSS was honored in the high school’s auditorium on Thursday, March 25th, in a socially distanced ceremony. As part of the proceedings, the 21 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 by-laws, 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.

Several special guests were present to share congratulatory remarks, including Superintendent of Berlin Public Schools, Brian Benigni; Board of Education President, Julia Dennis; and Berlin High School Principal, Eileen Eustis. John Line, a recently retired Berlin High School social studies teacher, was the keynote speaker.

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 activities throughout the year, from fundraising to community service. This year’s inductees are as follows:

Sarah Al Mozani

Bailey Baclaski

Maya Barbagallo

Saige Beatman

Natalia Chorzepa

Ryan A. Cyr

Jonathan D’Amore

Isabella DeFrancesco

Jocelyn DiMatteo

Aleksander Dobosz

Benjamin Fisher

Griffin Hilbie

Sean R. Hunt

Dan Lamoureux

Grace Lazzara

Clare McGeever

Simon Narel

Stefanie Poulin

Olivia Salina

Jacob Smalley

Michael Vignone