The Westfield State Alpha Eta Sigma chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society inducted 34 students in a virtual ceremony honoring both spring 2020 and spring 2021 inductees on April 7. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, last year’s spring ceremony was cancelled.
The University’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta is one of more than 900 in both the United States and internationally. Established in 1924, the Sigma Tau Delta organization offers distinction for high achievement in English language, literature, and writing.
Officiating the ceremony were Glen Brewster, Ph.D., professor of English, and Elizabeth Starr, Ph.D., professor of English, who serve as faculty co-advisors of the chapter. In addition, this year’s chapter officers helped lead the virtual ceremony: President Ryan Morey ’21, Vice President Taylor Pierce ’21, Secretary Meagan Davis ’21, Historian Isabella Valadas ’21, Events Coordinator Jill Tully ’22, Social Media Coordinator Lindsay Stenico ’21, and Officer at Large Mackenzie Jackson ’21.
The 2020 inductees were: Nicholas Barry, Madeline Borowski, Morgan Briggs, Rachel Finney, Haleigh Gazda, Sarah Hunter, Cassidy Irzyk, James Jewitt, Alora Machuca, Victoria Maclean, Kendall MacLeod, Patrick Mahoney, Robin Parsons, Mario Richards, Anna Szczebak, Audrey Therriault, Jillian Tully, and Nathan Vega.
The 2021 inductees were: Ashley Bloem, Ryan Buresh, Kaitlin Carmichael, Enaira DaSilva, Kelcey Desmarais, Samantha Grunden, Kailey Houle, Banen Mustafa, Brendan Rooney, Chloe Sanfacon, Elizabeth Sears, Madelyn Traynor, Spencer Van Tassel, Grace Templeton, Meredith Webber, and Erick Zorilla.
“In person we usually have a festive event, with food before and after, organized and candid photo opportunities, and the lighting of candles by new members from those held by current members to celebrate the transferring of inspiration from one group to another,” explained Brewster. In light of the virtual format, adaptations for the symbolic candles included phone flashlights pointed at computer screens instead.
“Our officers decided to substitute the holding up of cellphone lights as a similar gesture, and several attendees said they appreciated that element,” he said.
Although different from ceremonies in years past, Brewster believes the event was enjoyable for everyone involved due to the presence of so many inductees, current members, and members of the WSU faculty, staff, and community.