"I first congratulate the school's faculty for their vision and pioneering efforts for the implementation of an ‘Honors Society'....St. Georges can boast of many successes during its short history. This school's leadership in culture, sports and academics are heralded during spirit week and particularly at graduations. But, tonight's ceremony represents the pinnacle of achievement," Rutherford expressed.

The 19 students, drawn from grades 9 - 12, all have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 or higher, and join over one million other academically elite students who have been inducted into such societies since the inception of National Honor Societies for High Schools in 1921.

Rutherford explained that traditionally there are four criteria used for the selection of such candidates: scholarship, leadership, service and character. "While your scholarship is evident as measured by your G.P.A., so must your leadership, service and character be evident in your school, churches, organizations and the communities in which you live," she added.

The youths were further admonished to remain focused and committed to achieving excellence in all of their pursuits. They were cautioned to avoid and overcome potential dream killers such as increased isolation and promiscuity that could ultimately undermine their success.

Drawing on the ceremony's theme, Rutherford invited her listeners to "make a conscious decision to go above and beyond so that you can ‘Reach that Destiny Beyond the Clouds...And when you would have completed your education, you will have the responsibility to put your knowledge to work, so that you can give back and invest in your community, country and by extension the world."