News : NHS inducts new members, hears leadership advice from Judge Zimmer

NHS member Devin Tollefson escorts twin brothers, Jayden (right) and Austin during the induction.

Speaker Van Zimmer makes the NHS inductees promise to remember who spoke at their 2014 induction.

The members of the Vinton-Shellsburg National Honor Society have grown up in a community that added many more unique attractions during the past 20 years -- projects that did not just happen, but are the result of leadership, Van Zimmer told the audience during the NHS induction ceremony Thursday.

"Good things take leadership and civility," Zimmer, a 1965 Washington High School graduate, told the audience. "The secret of success is to be a constant contributor. Be nice to others and acknowledge your mistakes."

Zimmer, who spent his career in the legal field, as an attorney, assistant prosecutor and judge, urged the students to spend time "just thinking" and to try things they have not done and to explore a variety of courses and career options.

"Find what you like to do, and what you do well," he added.

Urging the NHS inductees to be tough and adaptable, Zimmer said that technology evolves faster than people do, while cautioning the teens to be careful about the use of social media. He also warned that their future college days would present opportunities, including the opportunities to make "very bad choices."

"Your reputation will follow you," he said.

Zimmer also reminded the audience of some important Iowa legal history.The Iowa Supreme Court was among the first in the nation to declare that slavery is wrong and to make segregation illegal. Iowa was also among the first to allow women to practice law.

Zimmer also advised the audience to understand the difference between celebrities and heroes, and between facts and opinions.

"Have the courage to do what's right when it's not popular," he said.

The ceremony honored two new senior members, as well as several juniors.

New senior members: Chelsey Mier and Brandon Price.

New junior members: Jessica Alderson, Joel Barnes, Tanner Bird, Austin Bohnsack, Lyndsey Cornell, Amanda Dedrick, Clay Follman, Nicholas Funk, Cole Garwood, Bristian Gerber, Abby Gloede, Maci Griffith, Nolan Hendrickson, Lily Horst, Emily Howes-Vonstein, Nick Hyland, Daisy Johnson, Kyle Jorgensen, Olivia Ketchen, Caleb Kruckenberg, Kayla Lee, Hunter Martin, Grace Milroy, Grant Noren, Rachel Nugent, Jabob O’Brien, Kendra Peterson, Anna Sagan, Abby Scheel, Annika Schmidt, Sarah Siglin, Lauren Slezak, Jarrica Speidel, Brian Stainbrook, Paige Stodola, Zachary Stout, Tyler Stueck, Lauren Tandy, Austin Tollefson, Jayden Tollefson, Celia Turner, Ashley Venneman, Sydney Walker, Keri Webster and Rhea Wieditz.

Current members inducted last year include: Sydney Bartling, John Eden, Jacob Gosse, Alexis Hicok, Elliana Lane, Karys Lillie, Sadie Novotny, Michelle Patrilla, Warren Rouse, Garett Tumilty, Caleb Bendull, Jordan Evans, Aaron Henderson, Daniel Janssen, Katrina Langstraat, Kylie Miracle, Aaron Ohlsen, Riley Ries, Kathleen Steffen, Wyatt Tumilty, Derek Dinderman, Rachel Gordon, Morgan Hendryx, Caitlin Kruckenberg, Payton Leonard, Jessica Noren, Olivia Oltrogge, Sydney Robertson, Devin Dollefson and Zachary Uthoff.

VS NHS officers conducted the ceremony. They include Pres. Aaron Henderson, VP Derek Dinderman, Sec. Kylie Miracle, Treas. Aaron Ohlsen, and Executive Committee members Jordan Evans, Sydney Bartling, Lexi Hicok, Olivia Oltrogge, Caitlin Kruckenberg and Katie Langstraat.

Cynthia Chyma is the NHS sponsor. VSHS Principal Matt Kingsbury and guidance counselor Scott Tandy also assisted in the ceremony and honoring of new members.

There are approximately one million current NHS members throughout the U.S. The organization began in 1921.

See more photos of the induction ceremony HERE.