Severn School Inducts New Members into National Honor Society, Cum Laude

Held in front of the Upper School student body, the induction ceremony was called to order by Dr. Catie Martino, moderator for Severn’s chapter of the National Honor Society, who offered remarks to the inductees.

 

The special assembly also included the presentation of the Frederick Drum Hunt, Sr. ’30 Historical Research Paper awards. Ms. Irene Sotiropoulos, chair of the Upper School History Department, had the honor of presenting this year’s awards to Reagan Cotgreave ’27, Cooper Greenier ’27, and Lincoln Watkins ’27.

The ceremony also included Cum Laude Society inductions for 9 members of the Class of 2027. The inductees are: Michael Batchelder, Elise Cherry, Luca Gargagliano, Reid Gonzalez, Christopher Hanson, Eloise Harley, Honor Marbury, Oliver Marquinez, and Rowan Ward.

The Cum Laude Society recognizes academic achievement in secondary schools for the purpose of promoting excellence, justice, and honor. No more than 20 percent of a graduating class may be granted membership. Only 18 schools in Maryland and 370 in the country have been granted Cum Laude Society charters. Severn received its charter in 1986.

Following Severn tradition, four students are selected to speak on the topics of leadership, scholarship, service, and character—all ideas that are core to the mission of Severn School. Before sharing their remarks, each student lit a candle representing one of those specific values. The 2026 speakers included Rhett Walker ’27 (leadership), Antoine Ismael ’27 (scholarship), Rowan Ward ’27 (service), and Alexis Patane ’27 (character).

The final portion of the program is the induction of 71 juniors and seniors into Severn’s chapter of the National Honor Society. This year, two seniors gained membership along with 69 juniors. After being individually recognized and presented with a certificate, the new group of inductees stood together and recited the National Honor Society Pledge.

Severn School received its National Honor Society charter in 1966. The Jonah Halsted Chapter of the National Honor Society is made up of students in grades eleven and twelve. To become a member, a student must show leadership in course work or campus life; attain a 3.5 cumulative grade point average and other academic criteria; perform service to Severn School or the non-school community; and evidence character through a regard for others, an exemplary standard of integrity, a willingness to accept and meet responsibilities, and adherence to the spirit as well as the letter of the rules.

Severn’s charter is named in honor of Mr. Jonah Halsted, an esteemed member of the Severn School faculty for more than 43 years. Strongly devoted to classroom teaching, Halsted twice rejected offers to assume the Head of School position. He is remembered for his unselfish service to the school community.