Warren Central High School has inducted 20 students, including five officers, into the National Technical Honor Society, a new chapter for the school.

Vicksburg High School also has a chapter. Inductions were held in December.

To be invited to join, a student must have a 3.0 GPA, no disciplinary problems and a teacher’s recommendation.

Each inductee receives a certificate and pin. Club co-sponsor Roderick Henderson hopes membership will inspire students to keep their grades up.

“Once you’re in, you’re in,” he said.

As well as encouraging academic excellence, Henderson hopes to involve the chapter members in community service.

“I will take it personally to make sure we are very involved in the community,” he said. “It’s very important and valuable.”

During an induction ceremony last week, speakers from the community gave encouraging words to the students.

“Regardless of what you do, whatever career you pursue, be responsible for your own actions,” said Sonny Harpole, assistant dean of Hinds Community College’s Vicksburg campus. “It’s your life you’re dealing with. Take advantage of the opportunity you have been given.”

Hinds features a vocational technology program. Its classes teach skills such as child care, nursing and brick masonry to high school students, with the aim of helping them enter the work force.

Senior Amanda Suell, NTHS president, said she hopes the club will be involved in community service. She plans to study nursing at East Mississippi Community College.

Other officers are vice president Michael Lynch, secretary Alisha Dornbusch, treasurer Lauren Brewer and service chairman Lauren Bailey.

The NTHS began in 1984 when C. Allen Powell and Jon H. Poteat recognized a need to saw or realized vocational programs.

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Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchanprasith@vicksburgpost.com.