Scholarship, leadership, service and character are qualities that the National Honor Society (NHS) holds in high esteem. When 15 Union County juniors acquired those qualities this school year, NHS officers and advisors, Shannon Hill and Megan Meier, selected a date, time and place to welcome the newcomers. 

This year’s new members to the National Honor Society are all members of the junior class including... AnnaLea Adams, Haley Alcorn, Bailey Boatright, Ryder Brittenham, Jayden Cunningham, Jenna Elliott, Mackenzie Hunter, Rachel Ingram, Chloe Meier, Kyleigh Payne, Celeste Pence, Ava Robinson, Dexter Schlichter, and Julia West were individually introduced on the UCHS auditorium stage to receive National Honor Society pins and sign the official register before family, friends, peers and staff members.

Although guest speaker Richard Worcester is not a UCHS graduate, he is quite familiar with the Union County College Corner School District, having completed 40 years of teaching at Liberty Elementary School. While he is not a National Honor Society member, Worcester experienced the meaning of the pillars of Honor Society – Character, Scholarship, Leadership and Service from his father at an early age and continues to value the true meaning of them each and every day.

 “I hope you will look past the idea that service and volunteering is what you can and should do,” Richard said. “When washing the hand that cares for others, you can’t help but also wash the hand that cares for you. At the very least, giving you a sense of satisfaction in knowing that you are helping others.

National Honor Society (NHS) at Union County High School is a recognized national chapter that educates students to the values of character, scholarship, leadership, and service, all of which comprise the four pillars upon which the NHS proudly exists. The NHS encourages it membership to be thoughtful and proactive citizens to communities both local and abroad.

The 15 have more than met or exceeded  a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA), completed meaningful service projects, holds at least one leadership position and are of  character during their high school career at Union County High School.

About the Keynote Speaker
Richard (Dic) Worcester is a 1969 graduate of Homer-Center High School, Homer City, Pennsylvania and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Science in Elementary Education from University of Pikeville. He began teaching at Liberty Elementary School in the fall of 1973 and earned his Master’s of Arts in Education from Ball State University and continues to attend workshops and classes from Ball State, IU East and Miami University.

Richard retired in 2013 from Union County College Corner Schools with 40 years of teaching kindergarten, second, third and fourth grades and three years teaching students with special needs preschool through fifth grade.

He is currently the president of the Union County Foundation, and board treasurer of the Union County Public Library. He also assists with monthly Gleaners food distribution and is the Chair of Worship and Music Committee at the Oxford Presbyterian Church.