Meeting the requirements of scholarship, character, leadership and service, seven students, two juniors and five sophomores, were inducted into the Cleveland High School National Honor Society on Friday (May 15) during a ceremony held in the auditorium.
They were, from left to right, Caleb Connor, Delaney Thompson, Zander Hoechst, Kayla Hoffmann, Ava Kluntz, Jocelyn Kortuem and Kiya Sohn. Connor and Thompson are juniors while the rest are sophomores.
About the candidates
Connor, son of Bill and Rebecca Connor, is active in Student Council, concert band, FCA, Faith on Fire, varsity baseball and 507 Baseball Academy. He is employed at 507 Landscaping.
He shows leadership by leading FCA small group discussions and helping with student council activities. He has served his community by helping with youth baseball camps, youth service class and assisting neighbors and family with yard work.
His letter of reference reads: “I have had the privilege of knowing Caleb for the past five years since my return to Cleveland. As my neighbor, he has consistently assisted me with seasonal lawn care and various household projects, always demonstrating a strong work ethic and a sincere willingness to help. Beyond his reliability in everyday tasks, what truly sets Caleb apart is his character. He is someone I trust without hesitation. On multiple occasions, he has gone out of his way to look after my property while I am out of town, providing me with a genuine sense of comfort and peace of mind. Caleb is, without question, one of the most respectful, courteous, and conscientious young men I have had the pleasure of knowing. He carries himself with integrity and is always mindful of others, qualities that speak volumes about his upbringing and personal values. It is with great confidence that I recommend Caleb for the National Honor Society. I believe he exemplifies the character, responsibility, and commitment that the organization represents.”
Thompson, daughter of Matt and April Thompson, is active in volleyball, softball, jazz band, concert band, Faith on Fire and FCA.
She shows leadership as the captain of the volleyball and softball teams and by being an FCA leader. She has served her community by working at youth camps, picking up trash around the softball fields and volunteering at her church.
Her letter of reference reads “I have known of Delaney since probably 8th grade through basketball. Her character was unmatched as a junior high student athlete and has blossomed every year since. She is a true leader who leads by example and with a positive attitude. I have watched her overcome obstacles with great determination and an even greater mindset. She has always been willing to help her underclass mates whenever she can, and they look up to her as a fantastic role model. Delaney is a one of a kind who I honestly could not think of anything negative to say about.”
Hoechst, son of Nicole Groebner and Darin Hoechst, is active in football, Hosanna youth group, Black Folder Jazz band, concert band, Student Council, National Youth Leadership Forum and the Mount Kato Equipment Maintenance Team.
He shows leadership by being class treasurer and mentoring at Mount. Kato. He has served his community by cleaning up the fields and around the school outdoors, tutoring fellow students and aiding in the construction of houses.
His letter of reference reads “Zander is a member of our football team. I am an assistant coach. I have been working with Zander for the past couple years on all aspects of our football program. He has been very receptive and responsive to every challenge I and other coaches have put before him. I have also had discussions with him regarding his participation in the school music program. He is very positive and hardworking.”
Hoffmann, daughter of Katie and Eric Hoffmann, is active in Black Folder Jazz band, concert band, SADD, Student Council, FFA and Combo Jazz. She is employed at Tj Maxx
She shows leadership by serving as Treasurer of FFA in 9th grade, secretary of Student Council and class president in 10th grade. She is also involved in helping with FFA events and activities.
She has served her community by leading a summer garden camp for SAC, volunteering at Coffee & Donuts for Student Council, working concessions during football and volleyball games, assisting with decorating bulletin boards and participating in various FFA events.
She has also been recognized through FFA by earning her Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree, being selected as a State Convention delegate, placing 2nd in an Agricultural Education Proficiency at regionals, and placing 3rd overall at State.
Her letter of reference reads “I have known Kayla Hoffmann her entire life as a close family friend and am happy to recommend her for NHS. I’ve been continually impressed with her maturity and work ethic. She carries herself with confidence and kindness, and it’s clear that she takes her responsibilities seriously. I believe she would represent NHS well and would have a positive impact on those around her.”
Kluntz, daughter of John and Jennifer Kluntz, is active in volleyball, basketball, FCA, Student Council, concert band and her church youth group.
She has served her community by volunteering at her church, in student council events, at youth sports camps and with youth sports tournaments. She shows leadership by being an FCA leader.
Her letter of reference states “I have known Ava for many years, as she is a classmate of my sons. I was fortunate to be able to be her basketball coach this past winter. I have no doubt that Ava would be the perfect fit for Cleveland’s National Honor Society. Ava has a quiet presence that shows her leadership. She is often seen having small conversations with teammates to show encouragement, praise and a little nudge when needed. Her teammates respect her opinion and know that she always has everyone's best interests and feelings at heart. Ava is very respectful when dealing with everyday issue but also with high stress situations. She has a calming nature and helps others to feel calm as well. Again, I believe Ava would be a tremendous student for the National Honor Society based on the stated reasons and also on the numerous other attributes that make Ava a person I am honored to know.”
Kortuem, daughter of Matt Kortuem and Sally Kortuem, is active in Student Council, SADD, school and club volleyball, and track & field.
She shows leadership in her role as a Student Council officer- parliamentarian and as a varsity volleyball captain.
She has served her community by volunteering at the Halloween Trunk or Treat, refereeing for 5th and 6th grade volleyball, serving Student Council donuts and coffee and decorating Student Council bulletin boards.
Her letter of reference reads “I coach club volleyball at Northern Lights, the club Jocelyn plays with, and I have coached her for two years now. There are not many kids out there who are as kind as caring as her while still being incredibly hard working, competitive and driven. I think the world would be better with more people like her in it, so I would certainly recommend her based on her character.”
Sohn, daughter of Jen Sohn and Joe Sohn, is active in basketball, softball, concert band, Student Council and FCA. She is employed at Silver Lake Country Club.
Sohn shows leadership by supporting her teammates and keeping an overall positive attitude. She has served her community by volunteering at sports camps and tournaments.
Her letter of reference states “I have known Kiya for about eight years. She spends a lot of time in Lake Park, Iowa with her dad and stepmother, who live just down the road from me. Kiya has spent a lot of time with my daughter at athletic and social events. She is a great kid who is kind, trustworthy and a joy to be around. She would be an outstanding member of your NHS chapter.”
About the induction ceremony
High school principal Dave Cink welcomed the audience.
“Membership in the National Honor Society represents a high level of achievement and dedication,” he said. “These students have worked diligently over many years to earn this honor through their commitment both inside and outside the classroom…The tradition of the Cleveland High School National Honor Society will continue to thrive as long as students challenge themselves to use their talents and abilities to make a positive impact while encouraging others to do the same.”
NHS president Anna Kawatski-Klein recounted the chapter’s history. While secretary Vivian Hilfer recited the candle poem, Kawatski-Klein lit a central candle representing the light of truth and knowledge and the corresponding virtual candles from it as Emma Bluhm defined “scholarship,” Carson Lyons defined “character,” Neenah Lassiter defined “leadership” and Taylor Wolf defined “service.”
Cink presented the new members, who lit their candles from the four virtual candles, an act symbolizing knowledge and leadership are meant to be shared.
Kawatski-Klein presented the membership cards. NHS advisor Amanda Whiteis awarded seniors Kawatski-Klein, Hilfer and Bluhm with honor cords to wear during the graduation ceremony. Senior member Carter Kern was not able to attend the ceremony. All recited the NHS pledge.
Afterwards, NHS members and their families moved to the commons to enjoy hors d'oeuvres prepared by head cook Monica Manzey and her kitchen staff.
About the NHS
Founded in 1921 when the principal of Pittsburgh, PA high school believed schools should be recognized for more than athletic success, NHS is a nationwide organization with more than 17,000 members.
The Cleveland NHS chapter was organized in 1963. Charter members were Jane Alinder, James Beckel, Gary Dauk, Jane Dauk, Mary Grice, Betty Harty, Carol Krenik, Lee Ann Krenik, Ruth Ann Lloyd, Carol Jean Rosner, Rita Anne Schloesser, Chrystal Severson, Pat Traxler and Ronald Tschann. Over the years, over 500 members have been inducted.
Business teacher Geraldine Davis was the first advisor. Home economics teacher Marge Cooney took over in 1969 and served until 1973. English teacher and librarian Virginia Grabow was advisor into the late 1990s when Linda Ross and student counselor Betty Jo Braun begin their tenure. Braun served for 17 years. In 2014, art teacher Bre Roberts and Spanish teacher Lupita Marchan advised the program with Roberts serving for the following decade until last year, when FACS teacher Whiteis took over.
A student’s academic achievement throughout grades 9–12 determines their scholastic eligibility. However, participation in school and community activities, leadership experiences, attitude toward learning, respect for rules and responsibilities, and interactions with teachers and classmates all play an important role in the selection process.
Cleveland High School seeks to recognize students who exemplify balance, integrity, and excellence—students who represent the very best of our school community and whose accomplishments reflect both personal achievement and positive influence on others.
Students who achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher are invited to apply for membership. Following a careful review of applications, recommendations, and qualifications, the NHS Faculty Council makes the final selection of candidates.
Nominees also needed to supply a letter of recommendation.
Besides their own service projects, Cleveland NHS members have taken leadership of the school’s recycling program as their primary school-wide service initiative. In 2024, members decided to host a winter coat drive and collected more than 150 coats to donate back to surrounding communities.
NHS president Anna Kawatski-Klein lit a central candle representing the light of truth and knowledge while...
...NHS Secretary Vivian Hilfer recited the candle poem.
Emma Bluhm defined “scholarship.”
Carson Lyons defined “character.”
Neenah Lassiter defined “leadership.”
Taylor Wolf defined “service.
Caleb Connor
Caleb Connor lights his candle from the four virtual candles.
Delaney Thompson
Delaney Thompson lights her candle from the four virtual candles.
Zander Hoechst
Zander Hoechst lights his candle from the four virtual candles.
Kayla Hoffmann
Kayla Hoffmann lights her candle from the four virtual candles.
Ava Kluntz
Ava Kluntz lights her candle from the four virtual candles.
Jocelyn Kortuem
Jocelyn Kortuem lights her candle from the four virtual candles.
Kiya Sohn
Kiya Sohn lights her candle from the four virtual candles.
Current National Honor Society members with advisor Amanda Whiteis on the right. They are Caleb Connor, Anna Kawatski-Klein, Vivian Hilfer, Zander Hoechst, Emma Bluhm, Kyla Hoffmann, Carson Lyons, Ava Kluntz, Neenah Lassiter, Jocelyn Kortuem, Taylor Wolf, and Kiya Sohn. Missing is Carter Kern.
Principal Dave Cink presided over the ceremony.
After the induction ceremony, NHS members and their families were treated to hors d'oeuvres in the commons courtesy of Monica Manzey and Lisa Behsman.