NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY 2023

JAMIE LIM: SCHOLARSHIP

Jamie Lim '23

Jake Felts Photography

Scholarship. A word we often hear but is often misunderstood. We frequently hear the phrases, “Study diligently. Get good grades. Do well in your classes so that you can get into a good college” and equate this with scholarship. For the longest time, I too thought that this embodied scholarship. It was always about the results instead of the progress, the grade on my report card instead of the actual knowledge, and my memorization skill rather than my understanding. Over the years, however, I realized that this interpretation of scholarship was a bit… misconstrued.

So, what is scholarship then? True scholarship is defined as a commitment to learning. Some people may equate scholarship with being “smart,” but scholarship is not an inherited quality. Instead, it is a developed quality that one nurtures through perseverance, curiosity, and responsibility. Scholarship is not something that is created by force or coercion, but rather by incessant curiosity. It is about the enthusiasm to discover, share, and build your own path by looking for new opportunities. In essence, scholarship is the knowledge that is gained through effort and determination.

I realized that instead of the results, scholarship was about the progress; instead of my grades, scholarship was about the actual knowledge; and instead of my memorization skill, scholarship was about my understanding.

At Trinity Valley School, we place a significant emphasis on scholarship. Through classes ranging from science to fine arts, we are offered a place to thrive and be excited to learn. Our teachers have helped us uncover new interests, spark ambition, and unlock our confidence. By spending my time learning at TVS, I realized that instead of the results, scholarship was about the progress; instead of my grades, scholarship was about the actual knowledge; and instead of my memorization skill, scholarship was about my understanding. And this does not have to be purely academic. Although scholarship can be about the process of understanding forces in physics, it can also be about your drive to better yourself in football or your devotion to find the best chess opening. You all have something you enjoy doing, so use that motivation to better yourself.

All of you guys are here today because of your drive to learn and passion to enrich yourself with knowledge. So, I want to remind you to continue this mindset outside of high school. Your joy to attain knowledge should not end when school ends; it should carry on wherever you go, whether you are in college, at home, or working. As a final remark, I have three main points to share with you. Let your time at school serve as the platform for you to nurture your passion and pursuit for knowledge. Work with people around you to share ideas. Finally, don’t be afraid of failure as valuable insights will come through it. Strive for success for the choices you make, not the chances around you.

Congratulations on your induction to the National Honor Society.

ALLISON MILLS: SERVICE

Allison Mills '23

Jake Felts Photography

During my time at Trinity Valley, I have had the privilege to work with incredible individuals, both my peers and various adults, to effectively serve my community. I have learned that if you are truly passionate about a cause – whether it be a problem in our society, a lack of resources, or any pressing topic – using a selfless heart can truly make a change.

At the beginning of my high school experience and during the pandemic, I found myself concerned for the world in which we live. I realized that many people struggle with ignorance and apathy, when really what we need is compassion. I became convinced that I could be a part of making this happen.

Though I have had the privilege to be involved in National Charity League and other service opportunities, one of the most significant service experiences that has shaped me into who I am has been right here at TVS with Trojan Tutors. If you aren’t familiar with it, Trojan Tutors is a club that partners with Chapel Hill Academy, which is a public charter school down the street operated by Lena Pope. About 10 TVS students go over to Chapel Hill every Thursday morning and tutor around 25 second and third graders in English and math.

When I began going, I soon realized it was about more than just tutoring these kids. It was about forming relationships and being a mentor and friend to them. This year, when the man in charge of programming at Chapel Hill emailed me to let me know that many of the students from last year were eager to have us come back, I was filled with both gratitude and joy knowing how much everyone involved cares.

One little girl explained to me recently that they look forward to seeing us every week because they know they can talk to us. Oftentimes we find out that we have more in common than we thought. We enjoy the same music and TV shows, and they usually don't have the chance to talk about that stuff. Many of the students come from unstable homes and do not have access to the same amount of support we receive here at TVS. That is why it is so important for us to use our privilege in a selfless manner to give back. From seeing their palpable academic progress to hearing about their weekend plans, these kids have made more of an impact on me than I ever would have imagined.

I honestly do not know what I am going to do next year when I will not get to see them every week, but I know they will continue to succeed, especially as they will still have many of these students here on stage to tutor them. The kids at Chapel Hill never fail to make me laugh, and they remind me that if you are going to be anything, be kind. When you create a personal connection to the individuals or groups you are serving, your service adopts a whole new meaning. Anyone can make a difference in someone’s life; it just begins with caring.

I know that each student here tonight has demonstrated empathy in the service they have been involved in to make a legitimate difference in their communities. Whether by small acts of kindness or leading larger projects, everyone on this stage has positively impacted others’ lives through their commitment to service.

I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Martin Luther King Jr., and I challenge each of you to take this with you in the next chapter of your lives – “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.”

ELLA FERGUSON: LEADERSHIP

Ella Ferguson '23

Jake Felts Photography

Initially, when trying to define leadership, I thought of one of my teachers. One time in class he stated that a leader is simply somebody who does something, and other people follow. I thought to myself, that is a straightforward definition of leadership. I liked it. It truly captures the essence of individuals like Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. However, as I let this definition marinate, I realized that it also captures the essence of individuals like Hitler, Mussolini, and Phyllis Schlafly. These are all people who did something and others followed.

So today, I don't want to speak about leadership in a context that can be applied to the man who led the 1960 civil rights movement and the most infamous dictator in the world. Today, I want to speak about intent.

You all represent presidents of clubs, captains of teams, stage managers in theater productions, business owners, and so much more. Undoubtedly, you all should be proud and reap the fruits of your labor. But just for a second, I want you to think about your “why.” Are you searching for praise and awards, or are you trying to inspire, fulfill a passion, or give back to the community at large?

You all have the capability to be the reason a child is no longer bullied, the reason hospitals can fund cancer research or the reason a lower schooler wants to start playing football.

Because ultimately, I believe glory is not held in the what but in the why. And, as you all become older, your why will only grow in importance. As outstanding individuals, leadership positions will be vast and imminent. It might seem easy to accept these opportunities solely for accolades or to strengthen a resume. And while praise is necessary at times, don't allow it to be your motivating factor. Because you all are so much more than a pat on the back. You all have the capability to be the reason a child is no longer bullied, the reason hospitals can fund cancer research or the reason a lower schooler wants to start playing football. You all represent change; you all will have the opportunities and capabilities to move mountains.

So I challenge you all not to simply be a leader, or in other words, somebody who does something and others happen to follow. I challenge you all to lead with positive intent. Because you never know the impact of your “why.” Congratulations on being inducted into the National Honor Society. You don’t know the opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you for your time.

BEN PARKS: CHARACTER

Ben Parks '23

Jake Felts Photography

Character is difficult to define, but to describe it in three words, I choose integrity, kindness, and grit.

Integrity’s classic definition is “doing the right thing when no one is looking.” However, oftentimes it is much more difficult to do the right thing when there are eyes on you as opposed to being alone. Another definition is “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.” I consider “the quality of being honest” to mean that people of integrity are not afraid to display their authentic selves without masking the truth due to a fear of being viewed critically. Consider how, when you want to impress someone, you think about what you “should” say rather than what you want to say. Having integrity is being honest with yourself and those around you and not deviating from that whether there are hundreds of eyes on you or none. For when we think about the people in our lives whom we love for their character, we love them because they always stay true to themselves in the face of opposition, not because they are people pleasers. Have integrity, be honest with yourselves and the people around you about who you really are.

The second trait is kindness. In my seven years at TVS, some of my most memorable moments have involved very small selfless actions that I either have experienced firsthand or witnessed as a bystander. In many situations, a tiny effort can completely make someone's day or week. When I think about acts of kindness at TVS, I think of Coach Cain. Coach Cain is a track and football coach at TVS, and he always takes time out of his day to walk around the Upper School and say hi to everyone as they pass by. The only sport he ever coached me in was seventh-grade track, and he has absolutely no reason to remember me. But every time I see him in the halls or on the way to lunch, he greets me by name. Every time I see him, he makes my day a little bit better, and I know that he has a similar effect on the other students. By simply acknowledging everyone and treating each individual with respect, he has an immensely positive effect on the environment around him. Kindness does not require great acts of affection or service. Most of the time, initiating a positive interaction with someone has a huge impact.

Lastly, I will discuss grit. Grit and character go hand in hand: without one, the other ceases to exist. Grit is the ability to spark motivation in yourself when you are at the lowest of the lows. It is the ability to realize that you cannot change the past and can only focus on taking the necessary steps to improve your future. Each one of you up here today has shown grit through your ability to persevere in your academic careers while maintaining a respectful reputation in your community. Displaying grit and perseverance doesn’t mean that you have to do everything by yourself, it just means that you use whatever resources are available to you to improve your current situation. Use those close to you as your crutches when needed, and be sure to provide the same service in return.

Kindness does not require great acts of affection or service.

Continue to build upon and display your character. Be sure not to deviate from it no matter who’s watching. Treat others with kindness and respect and use whatever is available to you to pull yourself out of your ruts. Show grit. Thank you.