AAUW in Washington host National Honor’s Society reception

The Washington Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) hosted the 2019 National Honor Society reception for the students and their parents on Tues., Nov. 19 at the United Presbyterian Church. As guests were arriving and enjoying refreshments, John Flannery, WHS student, and Virginia Bordwell, AAUW member, played lovely piano music in the background.

AAUW President Millie Youngquist welcomed all in attendance and member Isabella Santoro introduced Heidi Vittetoe, speaker for the evening. Heidi shared some of her life experiences and emphasized to the students the importance of failure. She said that, although failure may be painful, it's a way of learning more about yourself and as a way you of helping you define your goals.

Next Patty Roe introduced the 2019 AAUW Education Award Recipients, the Washington County Riverboat Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation Board was recognized for their very significant, financial contributions to promoting education and learning in Washington and other area communities, as well as supporting so many special projects in the local schools.

Washington High School Principal, Erik Buchholz, congratulated the students on receiving this National Honor Society recognition, referring to them as the 'best of the best.” He thanked the parents in attendance for their role in helping their daughters and sons develop into the fine young people they are and for the students being good role models for others.

Abby Voss, NHS President, thanked the members of AAUW for this special recognition event. Voss also presided over the student induction ceremony. She introduced other NHS officers who spoke about the characteristics necessary for National Honor Society selection: scholarship, leadership, character and service. Candles were lit and, in unison, the NHS pledge was recited.

Voss introduced NHS adviser, Joan Hippen, and thanked her for helping the students prepare for the evening's event and for her support in helping NHS members contribute to the school and to other worthy causes. Joan shared that she enjoyed working with the 'best of the best” and she especially congratulated the newly inducted members and their parents.

AAUW President Millie Youngquist closed by thanking all those in attendance, encouraging them to enjoy more refreshments in their time of visiting.