“In a very selfish world, when young men display a strong drive to think and act outside of themselves, that is really tremendous,” shared RTMA Assistant Principal Rabbi Noach Sauber in describing his thoughts about Friday’s National Honor and Segula Society induction ceremony.

National Merit scholars are rewarded for their high academic achievement and the society is “an organization whose stated purpose is to “unite those who aspire to the best endeavors for the institution to which they belong, and for the general interests of education.” Its membership is selected from among those who conscientiously strive to attain the best results, not only in scholarship, but also in growth of character and personal qualities that affect the student body for the good and promote the highest ideals of the school. Acceptance to the National Honor Society is one of the highest honors a school can confer upon its students.

“Even these students are required to commit themselves to chesed activity,” explained Rabbi Sauber.

Similarly, the RTMA’s Segula Honor Program recognizes students whose inner goodness shines through and whose unique skills are not measurable in a classroom.

Although designees may be members of other honors programs, the Segula Program is not based on academic achievement. It recognizes the achievements of those special young men who excel by helping others and working for the good of the community, as well as demonstrating model citizenship and integrity.

To be awarded Segula status, a student must have an exemplary record and have completed 40 hours of school and/or community service for each year of his placement. Membership in the Honor Society is noted on a student’s high school record for each year he is selected.

In celebration of the 21 National Honor inductees and 15 Segula inductees, JEC Dean Rav Elazar Mayer Teitz spoke about the objective of always growing in avodat Hashem and serving honorably, striving to be the best version of ourselves. Rabbi Joshua Sturm, an RTMA alumnus and leader at Project Renewal, was invited to address the inductees as a keynote and spoke about leadership and the critical character traits that are essential to become an effective leader.

“These boys have demonstrated a strong self-discipline,” concluded Rabbi Sauber. “There is also a lot of heart involved and they certainly reflect the heart of RTMA.”