HOUSTON – Oct. 3, 2019 – The Dekaney Star Theatre was packed Tuesday evening for the induction ceremony of 315 new members of the National Technical Honor Society, representing Dekaney, Spring, Westfield and Carl Wunsche Sr. high schools. Surrounded by an audience full of wellwishers, the senior scholars proudly walked across the stage to be recognized for their achievement.

This is the second year that Spring ISD schools have participated in the National Technical Honor Society and the number of students achieving membership has increased substantially from 236 inductees last year to 315 members this year. It is open to seniors only so each year in the fall, a new group that meets the criteria is inducted.

Eligibility for membership in the National Technical Honor Society is based on a number of factors, including a 3.0 GPA or higher in core academic classes and CTE classes, attendance, involvement in extracurricular activities and community service, and CTE instructor nominations.

“The students are really excited and honored to be part of this nationally known organization,” said Cynthia Williams, Spring ISD Career and Technical Education director. “It is so important because it shows how participating in CTE has paid off. We’re excited and happy for the students and pleased to see the parents come out and support them.”

Not only family members, but also Board Trustees as well as district and campus administrators were on hand Tuesday to show their appreciation for what the students had accomplished.

Superintendent Dr. Rodney E. Watson welcomed everyone and thanked them for their presence and their ongoing support. “Parents, thank you so much for your support, your dedication and most importantly what you do to make sure your kids are here everyday,” he said.

The 2019-20 campus representatives – Zechariah Rickett, Dekaney; Olger Carcache, Spring; Destiny Cornejo, Westfield; and Angel Quezada, Wunsche – were featured during a candle-lighting presentation of the seven attributes of the organization: skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship and leadership. They will serve as officers for the remainder of this school year.

“I just feel like I have been empowered as I am the only representative who is a woman,” said Cornejo. “As a girl, I’ve shown that these great leadership skills that I have learned from CTE have helped me to this point.” While a student at Westfield, Cornejo has been on a CTE career pathway all four years and wants to become a defense attorney.

Rickett also emphasized the role CTE has played in his growth as a leader during his years as a student at Dekaney. “This experience has been an amazing experience,” he said. “Without this I don’t think I would be the person I am today.”

Rickett’s father, James Rickett, also spoke highly of the program. “I’m elated. It is overwhelming to see my son getting all this recognition. I always tell him to excel in everything you do. Don’t just sit in the crowd and be one of the people. Be a leader, be out there,” he said.

The NTHS is a nonprofit organization that serves as a U.S. honor society for students enrolled in occupational, vocational or technical programs and career pathways. Chapters are based all across the U.S., and active membership includes traditional high school students as well as students enrolled at vo-tech centers, technical and community colleges, and private occupational training institutions.