Continuing the series of induction ceremonies this past week, the National Spanish Honor Society (NSHS) hosted its annual induction ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 30 in the cafeteria. New members met to be accepted into Westwood’s Diego Velázquez chapter of NSHS, named after the famed Spanish artist.

The ceremony opened with brief speeches from the officers. Participants were then called one by one to receive their certificates from NSHS sponsor Sra. MilyBett Llanos, and ceremoniously light their candles. Student volunteers worked hard to make sure the proceedings of the event went off without a hitch.

“We set up for the event with food and tables and other things, and during the event itself, we mostly were getting the food ready to serve and handing out programs,” Tharini Murugananth ‘25 said. “Overall, it was pretty fun.”

New inductees then recited a poem together in Spanish, symbolizing their commitment to Spanish learning and connection, before swearing the induction oath and blowing out their candles to officially join the organization. 

“Watching the new inductees become part of the organization was a full circle moment for me as I took part in the same induction two years ago,” Ava Sartor ‘25 said.

After the ceremony, students celebrated their hard work with refreshments and ice cream cake, now part of an organization dedicated to learning and service. 

“Spanish Honor Society is really special to me as it has helped me grow in my Spanish and develop connections with my peers,” Sartor ‘25 said. “I’m glad to have the opportunity to be a part of it.”