Honor society hosts first-ever chapter induction
by Addison Kuchka
Fourteen Hawk Media students were inducted into Quill and Scroll, an international journalism honor society, on Thursday, May 12. These students attended a candle-lighting ceremony where they received pins and were named official members of the honor society.
Quill and Scroll is a high school-level organization that encourages student growth in the journalism field. Founded in 1926, the program is established in over 11,000 high schools across the globe and inspires young journalists to achieve excellence in their craft.
“I think Quill and Scroll is cool. I like being part of the first group of members, and I think it will give students something to look forward to more than just publishing their work,” junior Abigail Nelson said.
For many students, being part of Quill and Scroll gives them opportunities to learn about real-world journalism and experience what it feels like to be part of something bigger than themselves.
“Being a member means pursuing journalism throughout my high school career and being able to use what I’ve learned in the classroom outside of the classroom. It gives me something to strive for,” Nelson said.
Student journalists have opportunities to utilize their skills to achieve awards and recognition for their work as Quill and Scroll members.
“There are contests that students can enter, there are scholarships that students can win, and I hope to be able to steer students towards that in the future. This fall, I hope our induction is in September so that even our seniors who have joined the program will have the opportunity to take advantage of those,” journalism teacher Shannon Kelly said.
Being inducted into the honor society means being welcomed into a community of like-minded people with similar goals and interests. It’s a tradition held dear to advisors because it induces a special, full-circle moment.
“I still remember when my journalism advisor in high school pinned me as a Quill and Scroll member in our candlelight ceremony, so it’s super poignant for me to be able to do that for my students,” Kelly said.
Kelly and WINGSPAN Editor-In-Chief Kalista Kuchka led the ceremony and inducted the new members. The students pledged to work for the advancement of their community, live up to the ideals of true journalism, and be impartial in their interpretation of truth.
“I’m feeling really happy that I got the honor to be able to induct them, and I’m also feeling sad because I know it’s coming to an end, but I’m proud of each and every member and I’m glad I got to be part of their journey,” Kuchka said.
According to Quill and Scroll, upperclassmen who have enrolled in a journalism class, have a 3.0 GPA, and have made a significant contribution to journalism at their school are permitted to join.
“Students who have worked diligently on stories, covered events, taken on leadership roles, those are the ones that meet that higher level of achievement for invitation to the honor society,” Kelly said.
