Turkeys and honors in Freeport schools

Freeport students are giving help and receiving honors at both ends of the age range.

Bayview Avenue Turkey Trot helps others

Students at Bayview Avenue Elementary School, in the Freeport School District, celebrated their fourth annual Turkey Trot. This year the students and staff partnered with Bethany House, an organization that works to strengthen and assist women and children who are deprived of the basic resources required for natural and healthy growth and development.

Throughout the month of November, students and staff learned more about the Bethany House organization and collaboratively raised funds to help support those in need. Through the combined fundraising efforts of the students and staff, a total of $1,800 was donated to the Bethany House.

Freeport National Honor Society exceeds 200 students

In front of proud family members and friends, the Freeport High School National Honor Society inducted 127 new members from the Class of 2022 and the Class of 2023, bringing the total membership to more than 200.

The National Honor Society is a nationwide organization that recognizes the highest academically achieving high school students who successfully meet the criteria of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham, along with Board of Education President Maria Jordan-Awalom and central administrators, attended the memorable ceremony conducted by NHS adviser Eileen Shultis, assisted by the leaders of the society.

“Despite the obstacles presented by the COVID pandemic, you remained true to your course,” said Dr. Kishore Kuncham. “Your drive to push yourself is a testament to what can be achieved. Continue to be the changemakers for yourself, your school, your community and the world.”

Following the candlelighting ceremony and the recitation by the inductees of the Honor Society Oath, each new member received a gold NHS medallion, presented by High School Principal Gisselle Campbell-Ham.

In keeping with tradition, the inductees were asked to wear their medallions to school the next day to show other students what can be achieved by setting and sticking with personal goals.

As part of their first act of community service, the inductees were asked to bring nonperishable food to school the next day, which will be donated to families in the community to enjoy during the holidays.

“Congratulations! You are now part of the academic varsity at Freeport High School,” said Ms. Shultis.