On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Catholic Central held its annual National Honor Society (NHS) award ceremony night where 102 returning seniors, 14 new senior inductees, and 94 new junior class members were recognized for their academic excellence. 

To be in the NHS, a student must have a 3.5 GPA or above, be in good standing, and submit a detailed list of their activities and involvements for evaluation by a faculty committee. 

Onimisi Sadiq ‘25 was selected by the committee as an outstanding member of the NHS and his commitment to service as evidenced by his service record. 

He was asked to give a speech about the impact serving has had on his life and character. His speech is as follows:

“I want to share a personal experience that deepened my understanding of what it truly means to serve.

Every year, I return to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, my middle school, to volunteer for their Field Day and carnival events. 

When I first signed up, I thought, ‘Wow, eight easy hours of service for what seemed like not doing much.’ But I quickly realized that there was a lot more to it. 

From setting up games to managing energetic middle schoolers, I began to appreciate how much effort goes into these events. Service is a two-way street: while we help others, we also grow in ways we didn’t expect.

Service, at its core, is about using our efforts to better the lives of those around us. It doesn’t have to be a grand volunteer project—it can be as simple as helping with chores at home. As long as you’re working to improve someone else's situation, you’re providing a service. 

What makes service different from work, though, is the element of selflessness. While work often seeks compensation, service creates a personal connection between the giver and the recipient.

When the apostles argued about who was the greatest, Jesus reminded them: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 

Service elevates our lives, bringing us closer to ideals of humility and connection. Though it may seem paradoxical, in becoming servants to others, we enrich our own lives.

Mother Teresa exemplifies the essence of selfless service. She began her journey as a teacher in Calcutta, India, but soon became deeply moved by the poverty and suffering she saw beyond the convent walls. 

Realizing she could do more, she established an open-air school for children in the slums, providing education to thousands over the years through her work with the Missionaries of Charity. 

What distinguished Mother Teresa was the deep personal connections she formed with children. She didn’t teach merely to fulfill a duty—she taught because she genuinely cared for each child's well-being and future. 

Reflecting on her service, I have learned that true service requires empathy and compassion without any expectation of recognition or reward.

The National Honor Society recognizes service as the foundation upon which the other pillars are built. Embracing a life of service makes it easier to embody scholarship, character, and leadership. 

Service requires commitment—the same dedication that leads to academic excellence. By strengthening our personal connections, we elevate our character. And through service, we demonstrate true leadership, but by setting an example of selflessness for others to follow.

To the new inductees, I encourage you to make service a daily part of your lives. As Mother Teresa said, "A life not lived for others is not a life." Let us live fulfilling lives by helping others live theirs.

Thank you.”

Onimisi Sadiq ‘25