_ Bulletin-of the — ) Department of Seconds School Principals of the National Education Association Issued Five Times a Year — January, March, April, May, and October MAY, 1929 Entered as second-class matter, December 29, 1925, at the post office at Berwyn, Illinois, under the Act of August 24, 1912. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage, pro- vided for in Section 412, Act of February 28, 1925, authorized March 30, 1927. Bulletin Number 2/7 Rituals of Induction National Honor Society The Department of Secoadury-School Principals of the National Education Association H. V. CHURCH, Executive Secretary 3129 Wenonah Avenue, Berwyn, IL J. Sterling Morton High School, Cicero, 1. Bulletin of the Department of Secondary-School Principals of the National Education Association Issued Five Times a Year January, March, April, May, and October MAY, 1929 Rituals of Induction National Honor Society of Secondary Schools BuLLETIN NuMBER 27 All communications for secondary-school administration abstract service should be directed to H. V. Church, 3129 Wenonah Avenue, Berwyn, Illinois; J. Sterling Morton High School, Cicero, Illinois, Executive Secretary of the Department of Secondary-School Principals of the National Education Associ- ation. These abstracts are free to all members of the Department of Secondary School Principals of the National Education Association. 1 NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS Conducted under the auspices of the Department of Secondary-School Principals of the National Education Association NATIONAL COUNCIL President: Epwarp RyNEARSON Director Department of Voca- tional Guidance Bellefield at Forbes Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Watter F. Downey Headmaster of English High School Boston, Massachusetts L. W. Brooks Director of Secondary Educa- tion Wichita, Kansas ArTHUR M. SgeyBoLp Principal of Thomas Jefferson Junior High School Cleveland, Ohio CuHarues E. Keyes Principal of Oakland High School Oakland, California Secretary: H. V. Cuurcn Superintendent of J. Sterling Morton Schools Cicero, Illinois M. R. McDanieEL Principal of Oak Park and River Forest Township High School Oak Park, Illinois MERLE PrRuNTY Principal of School Tulsa, Oklahoma WItiiaM E. WING Principal of Deering High School Portland, Maine H. V. Kepner Principal of West High School Denver, Colorado Central High FOREWORD One of the questions asked on that memorable night in February, 1921, when the Constitution of the National Honor Society was being written, was “Shall we have a uniform, required ritual ceremony and pledge?” ‘The answer was an emphatic “No.” Some of the reasons were that many chapters may prefer to have none; that if any school - wishes a ritual ceremony the teachers and pupils interested will incor- porate into it those sentiments and ideals that prompted the desire for the ritual. On account of its local color, the ritual may be more im- pressive to the school and community. Notwithstanding the decision of the writers of the constitution not to prescribe a definite ritual, a request for a ritual came from practically every school that had been granted a charter. Because of this almost unanimous demand, the National Council decided to issue this collection of rituals as suggestions. Some schools may wish an elaborate ceremony, introducing symbolical characters and employing costumes, properties, and electrical effects to make the ceremony more dramatic and spectac- ular. Such freedom is left to the schools with the reservation that mysticism and secrecy ought not to be introduced. The first ceremony suggested in this collection is the one found in the first Handbook. It is simple, dignified, and contains the essential features to be held con- tinually before the members. The other ceremonies incorporate the ideals to be emphasized according to the various chapters that have used them. The Council, however, does not make any of these mandatory upon the chapters. The chapters of the National Junior Honor Society may also wish to adopt one of these for their own ceremony. The Council hopes that these rituals may be helpful. We should be pleased to have copies of other rituals for future use. Assist us in making such a collection. WARNING The National Honor Society has met with such great success that imitations are springing up in different parts of the country. These pseudo honor societies seem to have largely a commercial objective, and plan to exploit scholarship for financial ends. Members of our depart- ment are warned to beware of any plan to sell pins or emblems to pupils under the guise of scholarship, and are urged not to lend their aid or influence to such organiza- tions. The Department of Secondary-School Principals rec- ommends only the National Honor Society and the Na- tional Junior Honor Society. RITUALS OF INDUCTION Ritual from the First Handbook Written by E. J. Eaton, formerly principal of South High School, Youngstown, Ohio, now Professor of Secondary Education, Boston University As soon as the Chapter is called to order by the president, the secretary will read the communication from the faculty formally certi- fying to the election of new members. The new members will take places before the Chapter. The Principal will then address the Chapter, emphasizing the place of honor held by the Chapter in the school, the traditions of similar societies in schools and colleges, and the honor at- tained by the members in their election to the National Honor Society. He may say in substance: No honor conferred by the school excels that represented by this Society. It represents the fundamental objectives for which schools are instituted and gives recognition to those who have at- tained most nearly the desired ends. Other honors at the disposal of the school are only partial in the sense that they recognize specialized ability, skill or talent, but this Society looks upon edu- cation as a total product measured by the four dimensions of life. Throughout history man has recognized the value of such distinc- tion and in one way or another has marked for special honor those who excel. Ancient and mediaeval universities established their honor societies. In modern times the coveted honor of election to Phi Beta Kappa outranks all other distinctions. In your election to this Society the Faculty is honoring you for the attainments al- ready made and for the promise they contain of continued excellence in the cherished ideals of this school. The president, or one of the faculty advisers, will then explain the purposes of the Society as set forth in the Constitution. He may say in effect: The Constitution of this national organization recognizes four cardinal objectives as fundamental in all educational practice: Scholarship, Character, Leadership, and Service. To exalt these objectives and hold them ever before the school as goals towards which all should strive, is the purpose of this Society. We seek nothing for ourselves beyond the strengthening of our own resolves coming from the bond of union which this Chapter establishes be- tween us. Our aim shall be to hold before the school such motives as shall induce others to aspire to scholarly habits, enlisting in worthy service and leading forward in all things that shall advance the welfare of the school. Some member of the Society may be assigned the duty of explaining the symbolism of the emblem. For this purpose a large replica of the emblem may be made in wood, carved exactly as the emblem of the Society. It may be made in such a way that the torch may be super- 5 DEPARTMENT OF SECONDARY-SCHOOL PRINCIPALS imposed upon the keystone so that the torch may be used separately in the closing part of the ceremony. The member may speak as follows: The emblem of this Society is the keystone and flaming torch. The keystone bears at its base the letters S, L, C, and S, which stand for the four cardinal principles of its organization: Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and Service. As the keystone is placed by the builder to hold the perfect arch in perpetual stability, so the structure of our education must be held firm and true to the pur- poses of life by the virtues represented in this symbol. Scholarship is the power of the mind to dispel ignorance and superstition through scientific investigation of truth; Leadership is the power of personality that blazes the trail for man’s upward climb; Char- acter, the composite of all the common virtues, sets the seal of righteousness upon our every endeavor, while Service is the begin- ning and end of our education, the altar of altruism from which God’s blessings to man have been vouchsafed. Thus the keystone symbolizes the high ideals of our Society. The flaming torch is the emblem of our purpose. To bear forward the searching light of truth, to lead that others may follow in the light, to keep burn- ing in our school a high ambition for the enduring values of life, and to serve, these purposes are symbolized in the torch. The president may now direct the new members to form a hollow square or keystone with himself in the center, the old members taking their positions just outside the figure, all facing the center. The presi- dent will hold the torch aloft in his right hand, the others extending their right hands in the same manner as if holding a torch. In this form the president will administer the following pledge, the new members repeat- ing it after him, phrase by phrase: “I pledge myself to uphold/ the high purposes of this Society/ to which I have been elected/ striving in every way/ by word and deed/ to make its ideals/ the ideals of my school.” The secretary will then read the Constitution of the Chapter and each new member will sign the register. —-* Ritual of Initiation Used in Oak Park and River Forest Township High School In Bulletin Number 12 of the National Association of Secondary School Principals was published the following ritual written by Miss Lura Blackburn, Teacher of English, Oak Park (Illinois) High School: The new members of the National Honor Society of the Oak Park and River Forest Township High School were installed last year on 6 RITUALS OF INDUCTION Class Day when the three hundred seniors were seated, as is the custom during the commencement week, upon the stage in tiers of seats, rising like bleachers to about fifteen steps. ‘Two narrow aisles divided the platform into three parts: a large section in the center, and a narrow section at each side. This seating arrangement left an open space about twelve feet deep across the front of the stage. When the curtain rose upon the darkened stage, a tableau was revealed. At the right of the stage four figures, representing Scholar- ship, Leadership, Character, and Service, were grouped about a large gilded replica of the National Honor Society pin. One stood behind the gilded shield, another sat on the low draped platform on which the shield was placed, and the other two stood at either side. The two boys, Character and Leadership, were dressed in academic gowns, and the two girls, Service and Scholarship, wore robes of blue and pink bunting with silver crowns. ‘These colors were chosen, not for any symbolic meaning, but for their aesthetic effect under a spotlight. (These four students, of course, were members of the National Honor Society.) Each of the figures in the tableau held a lighted torch. These torches, or candle-holders, made especially for the occasion, were of plaster of Paris, about fifteen inches in length and designed after the old Roman torches. Then to soft music—a march—and from behind the wings at each side the members of the National Honor Society, each carrying a lighted torch, filed upon the stage ; crossed to the other side, the two lines passing at the center; and passed up the steps of the narrow aisles, where they stood with their torches raised during the remainder of the ceremony. Bringing up the end of these two files were Mr. McDaniel, the Principal of the high school, who took his place standing at the extreme left of the stage, and the President of the Parent-Teacher Association, who stood at the extreme right. Then the tableau came to life and each of the symbolic figures, in turn, woke from his statue-like pose, advanced to the center of the stage and recited his part of the ritual, dropping back a step or two after his speech, but still standing while the next part was given: Scholarship:* “Learning is ever in the freshness of its youth. Learning furnishes the lamp by which we read the past and the light which illumines the future. Where there is no vision, a people perish And no vision will exalt a nation except the vision of real liberty, and real justice, and real purity of conduct.” Leadership:* “Ye are all blind until we see That in the human plan Nothing is worth the making if It does not make the man. *The selections used here were chosen seneninn hastily and it is expected that a more appro- priate and more harmonious group of speeches will be chosen later for this part of the installation ceremony. 7 DEPARTMENT OF SECONDARY-SCHOOL PRINCIPALS “Why build these cities glorious If man unbuilded goes? In vain we build the world, unless The builder also grows.” Service :* “T am Service, born through travail of conflict and throes of human need; my way prepared by the teach- ings of the Christ, that the Fatherhood of God meant also the brotherhood of man. With this great truth am I baptised and sent forth upon my mission; to bear my share of the world’s work, to lighten with my torch of Faith the darkness of unbelief, and following the great example, forget self in service.” “Much has been given to us, and much will be ex- pected from us. We have duties to others and to ourselves and we can shirk neither.” Character:* “If you keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too: “If you can dream—and not make dreams your master ; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim, If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same: “If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings—nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; “Tf you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run Yours is the earth and everything that’s in it And—which is more—you'll be a man, my son.” After the last of the group had spoken, the four, facing one another and holding their lighted torches high, formed a double arch at the center of the stage. Music again. Then from behind the wings at the left, the newly elected members of the National Honor Society came marching upon the stage with unlighted torches; passed under the arch formed by the tableau group, each one pausing an instant to receive a light for his own torch from the uplifted torches of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Char- acter; and then crossed to the right of the stage, where they grouped themselves informally. As each new member approached the arch, his name was announced by the principal from his position at the extreme left, and as he crossed to the right, he was greeted by the President of the Parent-Teacher Association and presented with the National Honor Society pin. According to the custom of his school, the members of 8 RITUuALs oF INDUCTION the National Honor Society receive their pins as a gift from the Parent- Teacher Association. In order to insure a smoothness of procedure for this part of the ceremony, the line of new members, who in the nature of things could not rehearse their parts, were led by the President of the National Honor Society. His manner, too, added dignity and meaning to the installation service. Following the presentation of the pins, Mr. McDaniel, Principal of the high school, lead in repeating the pledge of the National Honor Society. This pledge was read in a ritualistic manner, with pauses at intervals, where the society repeated the words, as is done ordinarily in the marriage service. “T pledge myself to uphold/ the high purpose of this society/ to which I have been elected/ striving in every way/ by word and deed/ to make its ideals/ the ideals of my school/ and of my life.” The pledge had the effect of a benediction and closed the ceremony, which had lasted no more than twenty minutes, and which throughout had kept its tone of dignity and impressiveness. —-» Initiation Pageant Play Initiation Ritual written by Miss Eilene Swafford, a student of the West Texas State Teachers College at Canyon, Texas. Characters: Spirit of the Society Spirit of Youth Spirit of Character Spirit of Scholarship Spirit of Leadership Spirit of Service Spirit of the Society: Welcome, thrice welcome, new members, I am the spirit of the society, and I am indeed happy to take you to my fold, for with more members I can better fulfill my purpose. You have come to me on your own merits and I am proud—oh so very, very proud—to own you as my own. But do you not wish to arouse in others those virtues I have stirred in you? t know that your answer is yes. More must and will come, inspired by your example; and even after you have passed, I shall go on—led by more like you, by youth with her torch. (Enter Youth.) See, she carries a torch. "Tis the light of Knowledge. Oh Youth, spread far and wide your light. Bring to all 9 DEPARTMENT OF SECONDARY-SCHOOL PRINCIPALS those ideals which you cherish, and let me help you. Let me be one channel through which you flow. I too have those ideals. ‘Together let us strive. See, they are here now waiting to be led. First is Character. (Enter Character.) Oh Youth, we must develop character in all people. That is fundamental, and it can be done. Next is Scholarship. (Enter Scholarship.) These can help you wondrously well. I can create an enthusiasm for scholarship in the best way. (Enter Leadership.) Here is Leadership. In our great nation we must have leaders, honest and wise. Are they not best trained at school? There again can I aid you for my society is made up of leaders. Let us promote leadership in our high school students. (Enter Service.) Last, and I might almost say the most essential, is Service. Without (her), (him) all else is selfish, futile and to no purpose. Let us seek to stimulate a desire to render service. I am sure that eventually you will accomplish these things. I, the Spirit of the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools, am only a means to an end, and with you, new members, I place the charge. Line up to our four ideals of Character, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service, and inspire them in others. President: You have been pledged members of this society for weeks. You now understand its organization and ideals. After tonight you will all be active members. The Spirit of the Society has given you your charge; I hope you will take up the torch and carry it onward. Will you rise and take the vow? Do you promise to live up to the highest ideals of character through- out your life? (Answer: I do.) Do you promise to avoid superficial thinking and face life with the intellectual integrity that has made you outstanding in scholarship? (Answer: I do.) Will you so cultivate these gifts that you may become a leader of your generation? (Answer: I will.) Will you give yourself freely to serve not only your society, but your community and nation, your fellow man and God? (Answer: I will.) You are now received as active members of the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools of America. (The president assisted by the Spirit of the Society now confers the keys while the song is sung.) => Perry High School National Honor Society Installation Service TABLEAU On either side of a raised and draped platform sit the symbolic figures of Leadership and Character dressed in white and blue robes and holding shields in front of them. 10 a 2. ee a. on Rirvats or INpucTION Directly in front of the platform stands the replica of the National Honor Society emblem on the face of which is placed a bracket holding the flaming torch. (A can of sterno is used for the flame.) In back of the replica on the raised platform, stands the symbolic figure of School Spirit (a boy wearing a white sweater with a varsity letter). On either side of School Spirit stand the symbolic figures of Scholarship and Service. Scholarship wears the classical cap and gown and Leadership, if a boy, wears the classical gown without the cap, a band of white bearing the word Service stretched from the right shoulder to the left waist line; if a girl, wears a gown similar to the blue and white ones and of a harmonizing color, with the service band across the chest. Following the initiation, the new members take their places on either side of the tableau and at the last the president replaces the torch and takes his position in the rear, the old members who have formed the arch dropping back to either side. Following the Principal, all repeat the National Honor Society Pledge. SERVICE Stage and auditorium darkened. Stage lighting—foots only—with colored lights on the tableau. The school rises and sings the Alma Mater—at the beginning of the song the curtain slowly opens. As soon as the tableau is entirely disclosed, the newly elected members file in slowly from either side, the principal coming at the end of the left and the president of the Society (if not in the tableau) on the right, and take their places in front of the chairs that have been placed on either side and in front of the blue curtain. At the close of the Alma Mater, all are seated. Each newly elected member carries a candle in his left hand. The president of the Society steps forward and with a few re- marks explains the purpose of the Society and meaning of the symbols. The tableau then comes to life and each of the symbolic figures, in turn advances to the front of the stage, and recites his part of the ritual, then quietly drops back to place. The figures speak in the follow- ing order: School Spirit, Scholarship, Leadership, Character and Service. After the last of the group has spoken, the former members (not in the tableau) come upon the stage, from behind the wings, and holding their lighted candles high, form an aisle at the center of the stage in front of the replica. The president* steps forward, takes the torch from its bracket and stands in front of the tableau, holding the torch in such a position that the candles may be lighted from it. *In case there are not an even number of former members to form the aisle, the boy representing School Spirit should hold the torch, so that the president may form part of the aisle. 11 DEPARTMENT OF SECONDARY-SCHOOL PRINCIPALS The principal comes to the front, a little to the right of the aisle, asks the new members to rise, and briefly addresses them. As he reads the names, each member steps forward and receives from him congratula- tions and the pin of the National Honor Society, then quickly transfers his candle to the right hand, passes down the aisle, lights his candle at the torch, and forms in position on either side of the tableau. (Those coming from the left move to the right and vice versa.) At the last those forming the aisle fall to position on either side of the tableau. (Those coming from the left move to the right and vice versa.) At the last those forming the aisle fall to position on either side of the new members. The principal then leads in repeating the pledge of the National Honor Society. The pledge is given in a ritualistic manner and should have the effect of a benediction at the end The Pledge “T pledge myself to uphold/ the high purpose of this society/ to which I have been elected/ striving in every way/ by word and deed/ to make its ideals/ the ideals of my school/ and of my life.” Principal: As principal of the Perry High School, I now declare you duly installed members of the Perry Chapter of the National Honor Society. Ritual for Initiation to National Honor Society Used in Capitol Hill High School, Oklahoma City, Okla. President: Members of the Capitol Hill Honor Society, Sponsors and friends, I have called you together to hear a message which our secretary has recently received from the Capitol Hill Faculty. Will the secretary please read the communication. Secretary: (Reads) President: Guardian, will you inform these students that we are assembled and conduct them into the room. President: On behalf of the Capitol Hill Chapter of the National Honor Society, I am glad to welcome you here. Your presence here as candidates for membership signifies that you have proved yourselves worthy members of our high school, and that our instructors have rec- ognized your efforts and achievements. No honor conferred by the school excels that represented by this society. It represents the funda- mental objectives for which schools are instituted and gives recognition 12 oo — — Df - FR ws id a) ce RitTvats oF INDUCTION to those who have most nearly attained these objectives. Other honors are conferred by the school in recognition of specialized ability, skill, or talent, but this society looks upon education as a total product of diversified abilities or skills. Throughout history man has recognized the value of such distinc- tion and in one way or another has marked for special honor those who excel. Ancient and mediaeval universities established honor societies. In modern times the coveted honor of election to Phi Beta Kappa out- ranks all other distinctions. In your election to this society the Faculty is honoring you for the attainments already made and the promise they contain of continued excellence in the ideals of our school. The Vice-President will explain the purpose of the National Honor Society. Vice-President: ‘The Constitution of this National organization recognizes four cardinal objectives as fundamentals in education: Scholarship, Character, Leadership and Service. To exalt these objec- tives and hold them ever before the school as goals toward which all should strive, is the purpose of this society. Our aim is to hold before the school such motives as shall induce others to aspire to scholarly habits, enlisting in worthy service, and leading forward in all things that shall advance the welfare of the school. President: ‘The emblem bearer will explain the emblem of the Society. Emblem Bearer: The emblem of this society is the keystone and the flaming torch. The keystone bears at its base the letters S, L, C, and § which stand for the four cardinal principles of its organization: Scholarship, Leadership, Character and Service. As the keystone is placed by the builder to hold the perfect arch in perpetual stability, so the structure of our education must be held firm and true by the virtues represented in this symbol. The flaming torch is symbolical of our purpose to bear forward the searching light of truth, to lead that others may follow in the light, to keep burning in our school a high ambition for the enduring values of life, and to serve with unselfish loyalty to truth and honor. President: ‘The significance of the four cardinal objectives will be further explained to you. Scholarship: Scholarship, the chief aim of our organization, is the power of mind to dispel ignorance and superstition through searching investigation of truth. We strive to develop a greater desire for true scholarship within ourselves and to stimulate it in others. Leadership: Leadership is the power of personality that blazes the trail for man’s upward climb. To be leaders we must develop within ourselves qualities that are useful to humanity. Character: Character is a trait above all most desirable. It sets the seal of righteousness upon all our endeavors. National Honor Society Ritual used in Athens (O.) City Chapter No. 64 (Based on Ritual used in Oklahoma City, Okla.) In center of stage a blue pedestal three feet high, the top perforated with one inch central hole and fifteen peripheral holes of 34 inch. Fifteen blue torches 1 foot high turned of wood in shape of torch in pin and countersunk for candles which do not reach above rim of torch. A central torch eighteen inches high, gilded, countersunk with a small metal cup to bear an alcohol-soaked cotton wad covered with salt. A 14 oP CO ARH moa Ww S& pp RiITuALs oF INDUCTION replica of the pin, two feet high, carved in high relief, gilded, wired with a round, flame-colored, frosted bulb. This pin is suspended above the pedestal seven feet from the floor. ‘Top of the replica is inclined slightly forward. The four officers of the society are seated at stations on the four sides of the stage. President at back of stage in the East*, Vice-president in the North, Secretary in the West (with his desk at corner of stage on his right), Treasurer in the South. Names of candidates are read and they are led in by a sponsor. Lights low, central alcohol torch being only light on stage. Candidates are conducted to front seats facing stage. President: The sponsors and officers of Chapter 64 of the National Honor Society in behalf of Athens High School welcome the new mem- bers who are present to take their vows. It was the purpose of those who organized the Honor Society to give you that kind of organization which would bring to you in name, emblem, and ceremony, not empty forms, but symbols of realities to those who catch their meaning. (Other officers rise at stations.) The emblem of the Chapter is the flaming torch which is the symbol of light borne into dark places. Just as the Indian in primitive days lighted his torch to enable him to find his way through the dark forest, so must they who seek truth first light the torch of knowledge. “There is no darkness but ignorance.” Treasurer: Because this is true, our motto is: “Light is the symbol of truth.” Secretary: The colors of the organization, blue and flame yellow, make this motto even clearer. Blue is the symbol of truth within us, born of purity of thought. The yellow or the flame symbolizes light with which truth radiates through the world. Vice-President: Already through this emblem you must have dis- cerned the purpose of this society ; namely, the fostering of high standards of scholarship among the students of Athens High School. (Officers other than president sit.) President: As president of this society, I ask you seriously to con- sider the obligations and responsibilities which membership in this organization will bring. If you feel that you cannot conscientiously fulfill these obligations you are at liberty to retire. (Pause.) Before you take the formal vows of the society, I shall ask you to sign the Constitution. You will now pass to the desk of the secretary. (After each has signed his name the guide, sponsor, leads them in line into a semicircle facing the pedestal or altar.) You are now enrolled as mem- bers of the National Honor Society and are ready for the vows. (Guide retires to rear of stage; president passes to point immediately behind altar.) ‘Do you promise to hold this society sacred, and by your words and actions to cause the other students of Athens High School to regard *Directions refer to Athens Stage only. 15 DEPARTMENT OF SECONDARY-SCHOOL PRINCIPALS it with respect and honor?” (The answer is, “I promise.”) “Do you promise to work faithfully to keep up the standard of scholarship you have attained and if possible to raise it still higher?” (The answer is, “I promise.”) “Do you promise to do everything in your power to encourage high standards of scholarship among your fellow students?” (The answer is, “I promise.”) You answer well. As your knowledge of the significance of your vows becomes deeper, may your life be more abundant. The officers will now invest you with the pin, which designates to the world that you are a member of this society. (As chair officers do this, light in replica of pin is lighted, and if desired, spot light may be thrown on replica.) President: Vows alone will not secure for you the realization of your highest aspirations. Let us understand the ideals for which we strive. The pin which you have just received is in the shape of a key- stone. As the keystone is the central rock which surmounts and by virtue of its position cements together the whole arch, so should this society look over and protect the fair name of our Alma Mater and bind together the student body into one powerful structure for service. The keystone carries as its central figure the dark-dispelling torch of knowledge, the significance of which has previously been explained. Grouped around this torch are four points or stations bearing the four letters C, S, L, S. (Officers rise at their stations.) All: As we now stand we form a keystone, the points of which signify the four ideals of our society. Treasurer: This station is Character, the aim of all who seek to be truly educated and without which all is as a house built on the sands. Secretary: This point is Scholarship, the chief aim of our organi- zation which we hope to develop within ourselves and stimulate in others, not forgetting the insignificance of our own attainments as compared with the vast knowledge of the world’s scholars. Vice-President: This station is Leadership, realizing that to be leaders of men we must have qualities useful to humanity. President: This station is Service, the golden rule of one who labors to give to others the joy that illuminates his own life. (Officers other than president sit.) President: The attainment of these four virtues will make of each of you the true wise man. Will you promise to uphold the ideals of this society throughout your lives? (The answer is, “I promise.”) Since you have now taken the vows of loyalty, you are ready to be intrusted with the sacred torch, which is guarded by the Spirit of Light. Vice-President (Spirit of Light): I am Light. I come to place in your hand two priceless gifts. My first gift has little value in itself; it is but the body of a torch. It gives forth no heat or light, and yet without it we can have no light. (Here the Spirit hands to each initiate 16 RiTuAts oF INDUCTION an unlighted torch which each candidate holds in his right hand.) Receive the gift, the symbol of knowledge unused, knowledge buried in the great treasure house of books, locked in the selfish minds of men. Your un- lighted torches typify such knowledge. ‘They possess every possibility of service, yet serve not at all. They lack the flame. (Spirit takes posi- tion behind altar and lifts central torch from its socket.) This is the supreme gift-light. Just as with this flame I touch your dead torch and make of it a living thing, so may the flame of the Spirit kindle the knowl- edge that is yours and render it of active service. (Spirit lights torch of member immediately in front of him.) As I graciously give light to you, so do you give light to others and not stintingly. (Initiates light each other’s torches. Spirit replaces central torch.) You catch the mes- sage of the torch. Do you promise to keep the light of Truth aflame in your own life and in so far as possible to touch the lives of others with sacred flame? (The answer is, “I promise.”) As individuals you have taken the most sacred vow in that each has given to another of the light which he possesses. The rude torch burning in your hand will illuminate you and the little world into which you carry it. But it is not enough that scattered here and there are single torches. The world needs a larger flame. In the same manner as before follow your officer and place your lights about the glowing flame. (Initiates follow guide in file around the altar placing their torches in the altar receptacles and again forming same semicircle.) President: Let us now join hands as brothers in a circle. (Officers rise and with new members and guide form circle around altar.) Secretary: You now outline the emblem of unity, the circle; not perfect it is true, but showing to the world the unity of the high ideals of this group. Glowing before you is the great torch of our united flames, that larger flame which burning steadily will illumine our loved high school. (Lights.) President: Let the circle be dissolved. You will follow your guide as before. (Guide conducts initiates in file across front, facing stage. ) President: Although much of your work here tonight has been in symbolism, do not lose sight of the eternal truths underlying it, which to be fully appreciated must be pondered in the deep and solemn sanc- tuary of your thoughts. I now charge you, that with the help of your new associates you redouble your efforts to be worthy of the honor which you have received. Any act dishonoring you will dishonor this society, but all acts of loyalty and service will reflect honor and credit upon your society and upon your school. It is now both my duty and pleasure to welcome you to the membership of this society. (President followed by other officers shakes hand of each initiate. General congratulations by old members of the society, students, parents, teachers, etc., follow.) 17 DEPARTMENT OF SECONDARY-SCHOOL PRINCIPALS Installation and Initiation Service of the National Honor Society Portsmouth High School, Portsmouth, Ohio The stage is set with five stations; the first represents scholarship; the second, service; the third, leadership; the fourth, character; the fifth bears the emblem of the National Honor Society. At each station is a pedestal, covered by a satin drape bearing the emblem of the station. At the side of each station is a banner bearing appropriate scripture texts, as follows: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and with all thy wisdom, get understanding. Prov. 4:7. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. Eph. 6: 14. Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not fall into the ditch? Luke 6:39. And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. Matt. 20:28. The torch bearer leads in the candidates and presents them to the president, using the following speech: Mr. President, these students, when they entered Portsmouth High School, saw a vision, a vision of wisdom to be gained only by work and study, a vision of joy to be had only by serving others, a vision of good to be accomplished only by leading others to do what it was right to do, a vision of worth to be attained only by following their highest impulses. That vision they have not forgotten. They have kept the faith; and because they have kept the faith with scholarship, service, leadership, and character, the four tenets of the creed of the National Honor Society, I present them to you, Mr. President, as candidates for initiation into our society. The president responds: He who takes the pledge that makes him a member of the National Honor Society, must do it with a full under- standing that the honor conferred upon him is great, and that the obli- gation he incurs is not less. Before these students are made members, let them here openly avow their adherence to the tenets of the creed. (The torch bearer conducts the candidates to each of the four sta- tions in turn, where the officer in charge speaks to them about the partic- ular quality which his station represents, concluding by having the candidates repeat after him in unison the creed which deals with that quality. The service at each station should not consume more than five minutes. The articles of the creed are as follows.) Station 1 (Scholarship) I believe that he is richest who most fully gathers to himself the heritage which all the ages have prepared for him, and stored between the covers of good books. I believe that he fulfills a worthy mission 18 Riruvats oF INDUCTION who in his devotion to the cause of truth, pushes even a little farther back the frontier of the unknown toward that of the unknowable. I believe in Scholarship. Station 2 (Service) I believe that he who profits from the labor of others is morally bound to contribute directly or indirectly toward the equivalent profit of others. I believe that there is no place in society for the able-bodied and able-minded idler, be he tramp or millionaire. I believe that there is not only a duty to be performed, but a joy to be found in ministering to the needs of others. I believe in Service. Station 3 (Leadership) I believe that a superior physical or intellectual endowment implies the obligation to use such endowment unselfishly. I believe that it is the duty of one who sees how the human race may progress to guide his fellows forward. I believe in Leadership. Station 4 (Character) I believe that “An honest man’s the noblest work of God,” and that the “The price of a virtuous woman is far above rubies.” I believe that “Kind hearts are more than coronets, and simple faith than Norman blood.” I believe that “It shall profit a man nothing to gain the whole world and lose his own soul.” I believe in Character. (After the ceremonies at the four stations are concluded, the torch bearer leads the candidates to the president again, who administers to them the pledge of the society. If there are not too many candidates, the pledge should be repeated by each candidate in turn.) Pledge: I hereby pledge myself to maintain as high a personal standard of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character as in me lies the power to maintain, and to do my best to promote the ideals of the National Honor Society in Portsmouth High School, and among the students thereof. ' (After taking the pledge, the candidates are given the pin or emblem of the society, by the president, who at the same time extends to them the right hand of fellowship and congratulates them on their election. When the candidates have been seated, an appropriate address fol- lows by the principal speaker of the occasion. The fundamental purpose of the address should be to impress upon the candidates the fact that they have not reached a goal, but that they are just entering upon a career of greater usefulness, which in humility, they should seek to pursue through life.) (Following the ceremonies, the candidates meet with the guests and members of the faculty committee for a luncheon where brief impromptu talks make up the program.) 19 DEPARTMENT OF SECONDARY-SCHOOL PRINCIPALS Ritual of the National Honor Society Tulsa, Oklahoma PROCESSIONAL SEATING TRUMPET Torch Bearers: Sir, the candidates seeking admission to the Tulsa Chapter of the National Honor Society await your command. Regent: The candidates having met the preliminary requirements, we will proceed with the initiation of the National Honor Society. Be it known that all in these halls will remain in silence during the services of this Society. You may conduct the candidates to the stand of your Regent. (Music) (Torch Bearers lead candidates forward to stand of Regent.) Torch Bearers: Sir, we present these candidates for admission to the National Honor Society. Regent: You will approach the sponsors of these candidates and determine if all in these precincts are qualified to receive the honor which is to be conferred upon them. (Sponsor rises as approached.) Torch Bearers: Honored Sponsor, the Regent of this society seeks information regarding the qualifications of the candidates for whom you petition entrance to our National Honor Society. Sponsor: (Rises and unrolls scroll from which she reads) I find the following (giving name and year of graduation) who are qualified for membership in the National Honor Society. Torch Bearers: Honorable Sponsor of the Senate, do you further vouch for the qualifications of these candidates as defined in the Con- stitution of the National Honor Society? Senate Sponsor: I do. Torch Bearers: Sir, our Honored Sponsors vouch for the qualifica- tions of the candidates and pledge them to our membership. Regent: It is well. The Torch Guard will retire and bring forth the symbols of Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character. Torch Bearer: I place this high symbol of your station. It is dedicated to Scholarship. (Salute) (Repeated with the other three stations. ) Chaplain: (Approaches Regent, stands facing audience—prays. ) Almighty and eternal God, in Thy name we have assembled. We thank 20 RITUALS OF INDUCTION Thee for this great Institution of learning and for the great blessings we have received through it and we pray that Thou wilt continue to bless the youth of this city through its ministry. We pray that Thou wilt watch over and guide us in our deliberations. Inspire our hearts and our minds so that we may ever be true to Thee and the high ideals of life toward which we are facing. Guide us in these things and bless us to the service of mankind. In thy name we pray our Great Prayer. (Returns to station.) Regent: (Historical and Introductory remarks) Torch Bearers, you may conduct the candidates to the shrines of Scholarship, Service, Character and Leadership for their instruction. Torch Bearers: Warden of the Station of Scholarship, we present before you the candidates who have met the requirements of the National Honor Society and have been pledged by their sponsors to receive your precepts. W arden, Scholarship: Scholarship is the great goal of your High School endeavors. It is symbolized on our shield by the open book and in our ritual by the color of gold. Knowledge is the great element in life which brings one to the highest success. Your high school is the fountain- head of useful knowledge. The opportunity for scholarship is within your reach but he who would attain it must make an effort equivalent to the blessing it bestows. Scholarship has to do with the present, as well as the past. Life’s drama continues. You are actors on this stage, interpreting for the human race the true meaning of its vast and hidden treasures. It is the scholar who magnifies the unseen things for the world, to set them free for the service of humanity. This is the heritage the great scholars of the past have left to you. May you do your part and thus come into possession of wisdom and useful knowledge. Go forth to carry the golden treasure of knowledge into your service and your leadership. Torch Bearers: Sir, the candidates having heard the lesson of the Warden of Scholarship now come before the Station of Service to learn the meaning of the great message. “He who would be greatest among you must be servant of all.” (Salute.) W arden, Service: My office is Service and my symbol is the flag. The color of my station, red, symbolizes the unselfish courage which gives itself to the service of the Nation, the school, and individual. Service to others gives us the highest form of happiness in this world. To aid those in need, to help ease the pain of the world, to be a friend to the friendless is the aim of the unselfish. Selfishness is the great sin of the world. Grasping, miserly selfishness always paralyzes enjoyment. The cure for selfishness is service to others. The flower does not live for itself; the tree, and incense holder, is hung with apple blossoms for a day ; tomorrow they have let go their hold on the tree and are scattered over the ground in order that the fruit may grow. The fruit decays that the seed may be released; the seed, in turn, gives up its life that the tree may grow. What a glorious lesson is this life for life, the old dying for the young. Every tree in the orchard, every grain stalk in the field, every dusty weed 21 DEPARTMENT OF SECONDARY-SCHOOL PRINCIPALS by the roadside, living for others. Go forward in life then, remembering that service for others is essential in the noblest development. Torch Bearers: Warden of Character, the candidates having lis- tened to the admonitions of Scholarship and Service now seek the lesson of Character. Warden, Character: Character is symbolized in Tulsa High School by the appeal of the Indian to the Great Spirit. The color of my station is white, symbolic of strength of mind, resoluteness, independence and that endurance necessary in choosing the principles and motives that control one’s life. Character is more than reputation; it is greater than career, it is a man’s best capital. It is the making of a life. It is measured not alone by words and deeds but quite as much by what you are when you are alone with your thoughts. Great ability alone may make a man a pirate; honors may make him vain, but character will make him as rich as the universe of worlds. The richest financial mag- nate may go into eternity a pauper. You cannot dream yourself into a character. You must hammer and forge one for yourself. Keep this goal ever before you. Thus may you become a living example of a noble soul so uplifting to mind and heart that you are a constant inspiration. This is the service of character to humanity. Torch Bearers: Warden of the Station of Leadership we present before you the candidates who having listened to the precepts of Service, Scholarship and Character now desire instruction in Leadership. Warden, Leadership: It is my mission to teach the lessons of lead- ership by which the blessings of scholarship and character may be made effective in the service of the world. The color of my station is purple, chosen by the leaders of all time. The power to lead others in the way of better things is a wonderful heritage, and to him who uses this great gift the world gives full measure of honor and glory. The call to leadership is being sounded today in every land. The need is greater than ever before. We look to you who have shown leadership in your high school to continue an aggressive fight for the right. A leader of worth is able to say yes or no at the right time. He realizes that purity should be the masculine of honor as well as the feminine. He knows, that patience “suffereth long and is kind”; generosity “envieth not”; humility “vaunt- eth not itself’; “is not puffed up”; courtesy doth not “behave itself unseen”; unselfishness “seeketh not her own.” Good temper is not easily provoked. Guilelessness thinketh no evil; sincerity rejoiceth in the truth. He knows that courage begets confidence; confidence begets poise and thus it is that the self-mastered man becomes a master of men. May these words ring in your ears and their meaning be indelibly written in your hearts. May your followers see in you the exemplifica- tion of these great truths. May you be inspired to go forth into the world to lead for God and country. Honored Regent, the candidates have been in- 22 Torch Bearers: RiITuAts oF INDUCTION structed at the four stations of Scholarship, Service, Character and Leadership. Regent: Bearer of the flag of our country, instruct the candidates in the part our flag plays in the lives of our members. Flag Bearer: All on stage stand. I hold before you the flag of your country. To dishonor it is to insult the nation. It is a symbol of loyalty. It has been truly termed the flag of the free, for it has given freedom to the downtrodden of every country and every clime. Under this flag we may worship God according to the dictates of our conscience and not by the order of any man or set of men. Here in this land of the free, under the folds of that flag and the protection of the country it represents, we may have life, liberty and happiness. I commend it to your care. May your love always protect it and uphold it. (Second Flag Bearer leads candidates in the flag salute. ) Torch Bearers: Honored Sir, we take great pleasure in presenting to you the candidates who have listened to the precepts of the several wardens and who now seek your approval on their entrance into the mem- bership of the National Honor Society. Regent: Young men and young women, we welcome you to the membership of this society, for our country needs the leadership of men and women of stalwart character, unquestioned loyalty to their responsi- bilities, high courage and a fine trust in God. Can we be assured that you determine to be all this? Candidates: Sir, you can be so assured. Regent: ll candidates will rise and repeat our school creed. (After repetition Regent comes down stage meeting the candidates in two lines and pinning upon each the insignia of membership. Lines cross in front of him, the girls returning to the seats formerly occupied by the boys. ) REGENT’s ADDRESS ScHooL SONG RECESSIONAL => Ritual for Initiation Into National Honor Society This Ritual Comes from Hibbing, Minnesota Herald—herald’s costume of blue and gold satin—carries herald’s trumpet bearing white satin banner on which is the gold flaming torch on a blue keystone. Color Bearer—flowing white satin Grecian costume—carries banner 23 DEPARTMENT OF SECONDARY-SCHOOL PRINCIPALS of blue and gold bearing letters H. N. H. S. in center, and letters C. S. L. S. in corners. Torch Bearer—flowing white satin Grecian costume—carries flam- ing torch. Scholarship—gold satin robe with blue lined hood. Leadership—purple satin robe. Character—white satin robe. Service—white satin robe, with blue bands on sleeves and at hem, red lined cape. Officers and Members—grey caps and gowns. Initiates—regular clothes. (Herald appears alone in center of stage, sounds calls, and retires to left of stage.) Procession (enter in order—Color bearer, Torchbearer, Wardens of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character, officers of society, regu- lar members, and initiates). President (as others are seated comes to front of stage): In the name of the National Honor Society I bid you welcome. We are as- sembled today to initiate into our society our new members. The four cardinal principles on which our organization is founded are Scholar- ship, Leadership, Service, and Character; and these new members have been chosen by the faculty because of their unquestionable character, their ability to lead, their constant willingness to render service, and their high rank in scholarship. That all may know what our society stands for and what it aims to do our Herald will summon our Torch Bearer, our Color Bearer, and our Wardens, each of whom has a mes- sage for us. (Herald moves to center of stage, sounds call, retires.) Torch Bearer (acknowledges president, moves to center of stage. President is seated ) : The torch (raising it on high) has from the earliest times been the emblem of knowledge. Unlighted, it has no power to lead and guide. It is of no effect until the touch of a match shall change it into a vital and beautiful flame. Just so the knowledge, the wisdom, the inspiration that lie buried in the great treasure stores of books and hidden in the minds of men are valueless until by faithful study we unlock these treasure houses and make them give up their stores for the use of men. As the Indian of long ago lighted his torch to guide him into dark places, so all men who seek truth must light the torch of knowledge. And you, my companions (to the members), who have lighted your torches so that they are now burning brightly bear a fine and serious responsibility. You must never allow the flame to grow dim or to die but watch and guard it so faithfully that it shall burn brighter and ever brighter. You see now why the flaming torch is our emblem which every member wears not as a symbol of what he has ac- 24 oe et a. ae ee i a Rirua.s oF INDUCTION complished but as a golden spur to urge him ever onward. In keeping with our emblem our motto is “Light is the Symbol of Truth.” (Herald—as before.) Color Bearer (as Torch Bearer): Our colors (raising them on high) make the message of the torch more clear. Blue, the clear bright blue of the sky above us and of our fair northern lakes says to each and everyone of us, “Be true! True to yourself, true to your fellow- men, and true to your God.” Gold, the warm beautiful gold of the sun above and of the flame of the torch says to us, “Light your torches and care for them so well that they will radiate their lights into the whole world.” The blue and the gold together beg you to be always a to them as you are true to the red, white, and blue of our national ag. (Herald—as before.) Warden of Scholarship (as others): Scholarship is the shining goal toward which every high school student has been striving for four years. Through scholarship life becomes more valuable and beautiful, for he who has at his command the greatest store of knowledge has the greatest reservoir from which he may draw to enrich his own life and the lives of others. Scholarship is within the reach of everyone but it may not be had merely for the asking. He who desires it must earn it by putting forth faithful effort,—effort hard and tireless, which however is never lost but is returned with interest a hundredfold. My garment is gold, the color of wealth; for scholarship is the only true wealth, wealth that increases, wealth that always has the highest value, and wealth that can never be stolen from you. My messages to you is :-— Guard this wealth as you would guard coffers of gold; strive to in- crease it and make it serve you. It is more valuable than mere material riches. (Herald—as before.) Warden of Service (as others): You have heard the message of scholarship and it is a true message but Scholarship and Knowledge are as worthless as the unlighted torch unless you make that Scholarship of Service to your fellowmen. By service you may carry happiness, comfort, and peace into the lives of many where there has been nothing but sadness, misery, and unrest. You who now await entrance into our society have given service in many ways and that service has endeared you to your schoolmates much more than any degree of scholarship could have done. Into your service you have put yourselves and in so doing you have made your service vital and true. I trust that the blue and gold of our society may be a call to you to give your gifts to all mankind just as the red, white, and blue are a call to give service to our nation. Finally I exhort you always to remember these words which have been so wisely said, ‘He who would be the greatest among you must be a servant of all.” (Herald—as before.) Warden of Leadership (as others): My cloak of royal purple 25 DEPARTMENT OF SECONDARY-SCHOOL PRINCIPALS tells you that I am the Warden of Leadership. Since time began there have been leaders among men. Many of these have won distinc- tion by physical power and have maintained it by force. In this land where all men are free there must of course be leaders, but leaders chosen by the people themselves. The power to lead is a wonderful gift if wisely used. It may lead to rebellion against law and order, or it may guide into the way of better things. You who await mem- bership today possess this gift of leadership; and we look to you to use it in an aggressive fight for what is right. May you go forth burning with inspiration to be wise leaders for your school, your country, and your God. (Herald—as before.) Warden of Character (as others): I come to you robed in spot- less white symbolizing the purity of character for which everyone in our society must strive. Character is the result of strength of mind, resoluteness, independence, and perseverance in choosing wisely the principles and motives that control one’s life. Character may not be merely dreamed of. It must be built by hard work and tireless effort. It must be forged and hammered as if from steel. Character is above reputation, it is more than wealth, it is men’s best capital. It is meas- ured not alone by words and deeds but even more by silent thoughts and unspoken motives. Scholarship may make a man a selfish recluse, service may make him vain and proud, leadership may make him dom- ineering, but character will make him the richest man in all the uni- verse—rich not with gold that corrupts but rich with virtue which lasts through time and to eternity. A beautiful character, the growth of a noble soul is uplifting to heart and mind—the highest ideal of life. President: I ask you to consider seriously the obligations and responsibilities which membership in this society places upon you. If you are willing to assume these responsibilities I ask you to stand and pledge your allegiance. (Initiates stand.) Do you promise to work faithfully to maintain the high standards of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character which you have attained in high school and if possible to raise them even higher in the years to come? Initiates: We do. President: Let the colors of our society which are ever before you in the blue sky and in the shining sun be a constant reminder of your duties and obligations. Repeat with me now the salute to these colors: “I pledge myself to these colors. I promise to be loyal to them at all times by serving my fellowmen to the best of my ability.” I now welcome you in the name of the National Honor Society. We need such men and women as you have proved to be. The secretary will now present you with your certificates of membership. (Secretary comes forward, reads names and members receive cer- tificates of membership, individually.) All—Song of Society. Procession (as before). RITUALS OF INDUCTION National Honor Society Washburn High School, Minneapolis, Minn. SETTING Stage center—Drop representing National Honor Society pin. Steps leading to it. ‘Top step, center, stands President. Below, left, stands person representing Scholarship. On same step, right, stands “Character.” Below Character, to left, stands “Service,” then “Leader- ship.” On lower step, right of center, stands recorder with big book. Recorder administers the pledge. Stage front—To right and left, two pages. To right and left of steps are two rows of chairs. Front rows vacant for new members, back rows occupied by present members. PROCEDURE Curtains closed. Introductory speech by principal. Old members on steps on either side. When principal gives the signal, the old members go down into the auditorium and bring new members up in front of curtains. Principal introduces each new member. Old member tells them to move to either side and face the stage. Old members find their places on stage. Curtain parts. Music. President: The National Honor Society at this time will formally induct into membership those persons chosen to carry on the fourfold purpose of the organization. Pages, will you please bring forward the new members? (Members-elect come up from either side of the stage and stand facing the altar on either side of it.) President: The aim of the National Honor Society is to develop a unified personality based upon the four qualities of character, scholar- ship, leadership, service. Such a personality is never completely achieved but is a growing concept. As members of the National Honor Society we attempt to progress toward this ideal. (In denoted order, four chosen people will deliver the four de- fining speeches on Character, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service.) Scholarship: ‘There have always lived men who hungered for 27 DEPARTMENT OF SECONDARY-SCHOOL PRINCIPALS knowledge—scholars. Because of their love of learning, and because of their insatiable desire for enlightenment, they have given the world modern science and literature. Scholarship is studying for the love of knowledge; and so cannot be estimated by grades. School marks do not measure true scholarship. Although the National Honor Society holds scholarship a necessary quality for its members it believes that for an effective personality, leadership, character, and service must be com- bined with it. Leadership: In the past the world has needed leadership; to-day there is as great a demand for it as ever. No matter what wealth, what power, what resources exist in a country, these are ineffectual without the guidance of a wise leader. The satisfaction created in leadership is of personal value, but it places an obligation upon the shoulders of those having the ability to lead. Leadership is that mag- netic power of personality which influences individuals or groups to act for their own good. This quality the National Honor Society tries to develop. Service: To give not only of our means and time but of our- selves; not only to our friends but to our foes; not only to our home and school but to our community, not for love of praise but for love of fellow men; this is service in its truest form. It is this unselfish serv- ice which makes a beautiful life. Service, then, is a necessary quality in the unified personality the National Honor Society aims to cultivate. Character: Character is the ability to decide correctly in the face of a question of right and wrong. Life is a succession of decisions. The student who is more apt to decide for the right is more valuable to the school than the student who frequently decides for the wrong. The ability to distinguish between right and wrong is the most important qualification for an Honor Society Member. President (to the novitiates): The ideals of the National Honor Society have been explained to you. If you desire to assume the re- sponsibility of upholding these standards, you will now be given the privilege of taking the pledge of membership. (The Recorder takes the center of the lower step.) Recorder: I shall repeat the pledge to the ideals of the National Honor Society. PLEDGE “On my honor as a member of the National Honor Society I will do my best to represent the four ideals of the organization: Character, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service. “T will be fair and square in my dealings with teachers and fellow students; “I will remember that the primary purpose of school is getting an education; 28 RITUALS OF INDUCTION “TI will use what powers of leadership I have toward making Wash- burn a better school. “I will serve my school without thought of personal glory.” Recorder: Do you pledge yourself to try to be true to these ideals? Novitiate: “TI do.” (Page has novitiate sign record book.) President: ‘The National Honor Society welcomes you and hopes that as a member you will be a power in Washburn for the de- velopment of Character, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service.” — Ritual used at South Philadelphia High School for Girls Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Dr. Lucy L. W. Wilson, Principal Our usual procedure is for the principal, in front of the curtain, to explain the national organization to the school, including the bases on which the election rests. Then begins the processional march. The whole school rises; the curtain opens slowly, showing a burlap back- ground flooded with light, against which are grouped student members in costume,—red gown and cape, and black head dress, holding a golden torch,—the speaker, and the principal usually in his or her university gown, hood and cap. The initiates,—in white gown, red cape, black head dress, and golden torch,—march through the school to the stage. At the closing chord all are seated. INITIATION: The music begins, a signal to the candidates to come forward, one by one, to be admitted, by the principal, through the right hand of fellowship to the Torch Chapter. In the meantime the burlap background curtain rises on another curtain, against which is seen a huge torch, with an electrically illuminated flame, resting on a pedestal, resembling a Roman altar. Then the initiates, standing together in the front of the stage, recite the creed: I believe in the joy of study, the delight of acquaintance with books, the discipline of diligent learning and the re-discovery of the world of nature and of men through an open mind. I believe in character as essential to the highest type of scholar- ship. I hold that no intellectual achievement, however keen or clever, is worthy of deep respect unless it goes hand in hand with accuracy, reliability, honor, humility, tolerance, and truth. I believe in service, that it is the privilege and responsibility 29 DEPARTMENT OF SECONDARY-SCHOOL PRINCIPALS of the enlightened member of any society to minister with kind- ness and understanding to the needs of the less fortunate in talent or in opportunity. I rejoice in the burden of leadership which scholarship, char- acter, and service lay upon me, for I believe that my torch should light others to lives of greater beauty, richer joy, and fuller service. After the recitation of the creed the initiates return to their stage seats and are seated by a concluding chord. The speaker of the day is chosen because of certain outstand- ing qualities, either of scholarship or of leadership. He, or she, is asked to talk on something pertinent to the ceremony,—historic torch bearers, or leadership, or scholarship, or character,—preferably through a biography. At the conclusion of the address, the whole school sings our hymn, marching out to its music, with the former and newly initiated mem- bers following. “To you... we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.” ==> Publications of the Department of Secondary-School Principals Publications are sold at the following rates: I os 65s s seco boca sininois-¢-sio nneeeis musanee ce deaeaneet $ .50 Second Yearbook (1918) ......ccccccccccccccccccccssccvccccoccccececs 2.00 pS Perr errr ee 1.00 ee eS eer eee reer er 1.00 Pe EE HOI 66.6 oa obser. sic bincsdedoreusseacr sein cmeevenesennccee 1.00 Sixth Yearbook (1922) Out of Print............ccceeceseeeceeeceeeeeees 2.00 OPE NN ND 5 y:0.5 os csisintind osis-cin'ns5000d s0isevenseesesecenes 2.00 I RO COED 6 00:0 0:0 6.5:4:6 0 06:50:50 0666 Ss bee eneeebreressyeevee 2.00 IE ND ooo oan 5-46-0155 6405064054000 00b 10d eesUreCureeS 2.00 Bulletin No. 10 (Abstracts, January, 1926) ..........ccecccccceeceeeees 25 Bulletin No. 11 (Yearbook, March, 1926) ..........csseeeseccccesceces 2.00 Bulletin No. 12 (Abstracts, May, 1926) .......sccccccsecceccceececvece .25 Bulletin No. 13 (Abstracts, October, 1926) ..........ccecseseeeccceeees .25 ‘Bulletin No. 14 (Abstracts, January, 1927) ........ccsccceseeeesseeves 25 Bulletin No. 15 (Yearbook, March, 1927) ..........seeeescccnccccecees 2.00 + Bulletin No. 16 (Directory of Members) .............ssceeeeeeececeees .25 Bulletin No. 17 (Abstracts, May, 1927) .......cceeeesccscccccevevcvves .25 Bulletin No. 18 (Abstracts, October, 1927) ..........cccccceccccecceees 25 Bulletin No. 19 (Abstracts, January, 1928) ..........ccececceecceeccecs .60 Bulletin No. 20 (Yearbook, March, 1928) .......scceessccsccccccsseees 2.00 Bulletin No. 21 (Abstracts, April, 1928) ........cceccccescsccceesceers 25 Bulletin No. 22 (Abstracts, May, 1928) .........sssssesecccccccccceees .25 Bulletin No. 23 (Abstracts, October, 1928) .........cscecccccccessceees 25 Bulletin No. 24 (Abstracts of Unpublished University of Chicago Theses ee rr cr rere 1.00 Bulletin No. 25 (Proceedings of F Cleveland Meeting, 1929) .............. 1.00 Bulletin No. 26 (Abstracts, April, 1929) .........cccecccccccvccccccees .25 25 Bulletin No. 27 (Rituals of Induction, May, 1929)............seeeeeeeee Please remit in advance H. V. Church, Executive Secretary J. Sterling Morton High School Cicero, Illinois. 30 oO Oe ab on on. 7 Group Life Insurance Below is a copy of a group life policy: Incorporated under the laws of Certificate the State of New Jersey Number - THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY of AMERICA in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of its Group Policy No.—1787—, insuring the lives of a group of the employees of (Firm Name) has insured the life of an employee included in the said group of employees, for the amount of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS, payable to the Beneficiary designated, by said employee upon receipt of due proof of the death of said employee while the insurance on the life of said employee under said Policy is in force. BENEFICIARY: If there be no Beneficiary living at the death of said employee the amount of insurance shall be paid to the executors, administrators or assigns of said employee. (The Beneficiary may be changed in accordance with the terms of the Policy by said employee at any time while the insurance on his or her life is in force by notifying the Company through the Employer. Such change shall take effect when due acknowledgment thereof is furnished by the Company to such person insured and all rights of his or her former Beneficiary or Beneficiaries shall thereupon cease.) Total and Permanent Disability.—If the said employee, while less than sixty years of age, and while the insurance on the life of said employee under said Policy is in full force and effect, shall become totally and Pg ayn disabled or physically or mentally incapacitated to such an extent that he or she by reason of such disability or incapacity is rendered wholly, continuously and permanently unable to perform work for any kind of compensation of financial value during the remainder of his or her lifetime, said amount of insurance will be paid to said employee either in one sum six months after the Company has received due proof of such disability or incapacity, or in monthly in- stalments during five years, the first instalment to be payable immediately upon Cy by the Company of due proof of such disability or incapacity; in accordance with the provisions of said Policy. The disability benefits will be granted subject to cessation, in ac- cordance with the provisions of the Policy, should such ony or incapacity prove to be temporary and not ee The entire and irrecoverable loss of the sight of both eyes, or of the use of both hands, or of both feet, or of one hand and one foot, will be considered total and permanent disability or incapacity within the meaning of the pro- _ Visions of said Policy. Conversion of Insurance.—When the insurance on the life of said employee shall - -terminate by reason of termination of employment for any reason whatsoever, the Com will issue, upon application by said employee within thirty-one days after the date of su termination, without evidence of insurability, a policy on his or her life on any of the forms customarily issued by the Company, except a policy of Term Insurance, for the same amount for which said employee was insu under said group insurance policy at the time of the termination of employment, subject to the payment of premium for such policy at the then current rates of the Company according to the occupation of and at the age - attained by said employee at that time. Epwarp D. Durrretp, 192.. Presid Newark, Ni Jigccccccccccccccvccvccvccsceses ord 75671 Subsequent to Dec. 31, 1922 31 Premiums.—According to the table of premiums, the rates are higher each succeeding year. It will be the policy of the Department te use the annual dividends to reduce the premiums each year. Al- though this reduction can not be set in terms in the contract, it will no doubt be brought about. Eligibility—Any one who is a member of the Department of Secondary-School Principals may avail himself of this insurance offer. Until he leaves the profession, he may renew his insurance annually. Saving Feature-——The cash surrender value of a group life insurance policy is in evidence every year at the time the insured pays the premium. If a man of thirty-eight took a $5000 policy on the twenty payment life plan, his premium would be $173.45. If he took group insurance, his annual premium would be $41.75, therefore his cash surrender value would be $131.70 at the beginning of each year. This he must invest, as the insurance company does. In twenty years his savings on premiums plus interest would by the group insurance route be a bit over $4800. One, therefore, saves about twice as much by the group insurance plan as by a twenty payment plan. In other words if the insurance company cares for your money and invests it for you, you pay a very large fee for their services. Plan Effective—lIt is hoped that this plan may be put in force by October 1, 1929. However, it may take longer to persuade the mem- bers that group insurance is the most inexpensive form of life insurance Amount of Insurance to Carry—The test one should set up in deciding how much coverage to buy is—, will a six per cent income on my estate yield enough to support my dependents at their present level of living.