Greetings, games and goodies: JNHS welcomes new members at induction ceremony

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Shareen Chahal

JNHS co-Vice President Maryam Zehra (11) hands a membership certificate to Bella Chen (10) at the induction ceremony on Oct. 17. Each new member of the organization received a certificate after taking an oath to serve the community through JNHS.

Japanese National Honor Society (JNHS) greeted new members at their annual induction ceremony on Oct. 17 during long lunch in Room 30 of the Dance Building with heartfelt speeches from the club officers, fun games and Japanese snacks.

The meeting began with a welcome from the leadership team to the 11 students nominated and inducted for academic excellence in their Japanese courses. JNHS president Jessica Tang (12) commended the new members on their dedication to learning about Japanese language and culture.

Co-Vice Presidents Ashley Ma (12) and Maryam Zehra (11) recited the official JNHS statement in both English and Japanese, explaining the significance of accepting the induction certificate as well as the obligations that the new members must uphold as a part of the organization. Students received their certificates one by one, shaking hands with the officers as they accepted their new duties.

In a verbal oath led by Secretary Jasmine Ishikawa (11), inaugurated students pledged to serve the community through volunteer work related to Japanese culture or the JNHS organization. Each member will commit to five hours of service under JNHS, which they may complete either at Harker or with external organizations.

Jasmine commented on the significance of the induction ceremony and explained how a Japanese language student could qualify for the role.

“The Induction Ceremony is one of JNHS’s most important events,” Jasmine said. “It’s where we officially welcome students who have shown their dedication to [the] Japanese language. Members of JNHS engage in Japanese cultural and historical activities to form a bridge between Japan and America.”

To conclude the ceremony, members participated in a series of ‘jan-ken-pon’ (rock-paper-scissors) games and enjoyed Japanese treats such as mochi and rice crackers.