Pictured are Northeastern Technical College students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society, front row, from left to right, Sharon Sweatt, Donna Jackson and Brian Williams; back row, from left to right, Tacoma Cole, Tyrone Malloy, Chris Williams, Christopher Wilson, Forrest Frye and Jonathan Freeman. Not pictured are James Bullis, Robbie Edwards, Tasha Grant, Ashley Hancock, Adam Jordan, Jocelyn Terry, Missy Timney, Emily Williams and Patricia York.

February 9, 2011
Honor Society Recognizes Students for Academic Achievement

“Skin your own skunks” was the message Larry Stinson, principal of New Heights Middle School, delivered to the large crowd seated for the National Technical Honor Society Induction Ceremony held Feb. 3 at Northeastern Technical College.

Nearly a hundred students from NETC and Chesterfield County’s four public high schools were recognized for their outstanding achievement while enrolled in career and occupational programs at the College. 

The metaphorical life lesson, according to Stinson, means take care of your own tasks and be dependable and diligent. “Be responsible for your own things. Don’t give someone else the things you’re suppose to be doing,” he said.

Stinson, who has 35 years invested in education, offered the inductees and their families a list of “D” words to remember that would help them excel in their careers and their personal relationships.

“Details: Get up early and plan for every eventuality.”

“Drive: Have that energy level and drive to get things done.”

“Dependability: Be there every day and be accessible to people.”

“Durability: Be able to bounce back from adversity.”

“Differences: A strong organization is one in which many different people come together for one common cause.”

Stinson received a standing ovation for his speech, which was followed by the induction of the new members and a candle lighting ceremony with a reading about the honor society’s mission.

Taking the NTHS Pledge for NETC were James Bullis, Tacoma Cole, Robbie Edwards, Jonathan Freeman, Forrest Frye, Tasha Grant, Ashley Hancock, Donna Jackson, Adam Jordan, Tyrone Malloy, Sharon Sweatt, Jocelyn Terry, Missy Timney, Brian Williams, Chris Williams, Emily Williams, Christopher Wilson and Patricia York.

NTHS advisor for the College is Melisa Johnson, and co-advisors are Michael Kaltwang and Michael Black.

The NTHS was established in 1984 to honor student achievement and leadership, promote educational excellence and enhance career opportunities. NTHS is the highest award to honor excellence in career and technical education in the United States.