EPHRATA — The Ephrata High School Honor Society will host its fourth annual Oscar Night today. The event starts at 7 p.m. in the Ephrata High School commons.

“It was four years ago; our honor society president came up with the idea for it,” EHS  National Honor Society advisor Sheila Massey said. “They were looking for a way to do a little bit more with something that tied in with the pillars of Honor Society, which are scholarship, leadership, service and character. They were hoping to kind of get away from only the focus on scholarship and grades, and so the president at that time kind of brainstormed some ideas and came up with the idea of Oscar night to celebrate character awards.”

Students nominate each other by filling out a Google form. Then from the nominations, a committee picks a top three in each of the categories, and the student body votes anonymously. The person with the most votes receives the award at the ceremony. The awards are handed out by other clubs at the high school including the Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, drama, Key Club, Hope Squad, Esports and Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano De Aztlan.

“I’ve heard students say that it’s an event that they can get kind of dressed up for and have fun with that isn’t a dance where they have to have a date,” Massey said. “It kind of takes the pressure off, and I feel like they have a little bit more fun ... There’s something to do other than just listen to music and dance; there’s entertainment in between the award presentations.”

The event is for students only; however, families who want to cheer from home can catch the ceremony live on TigerVision.

“I think they also enjoy that it’s just for students,” Massey said. “We sometimes feel bad that we don’t make it public for parents also, but it’s livestreamed for parents, and they can watch it online. But we’ve so far had it just in our commons area, where there really is only enough room for students anyhow, and I think when they’re just doing it for each other, there’s a good, relaxed atmosphere that they really enjoy.”

The categories for the awards are truth, respect, kindness, selflessness, patience, perseverance and commitment.

Truth

“Lily always tells the truth no matter what,” wrote the student who nominated Lillian Hastings for honesty. “Even if it gets her own friend in trouble, she looks out for the school. If someone is doing something they are not supposed to she is always first to tell a trusted adult about what is happening, especially if it is hurting someone. If she gets asked a question about a bad situation that she witnessed she tells the truth.”

Ryanne Pyper was also nominated for the category; her nominator wrote she is the “most honest person I have ever met before.” The statement also said she is a very nice person, makes people laugh and makes their day all of the time.

Respect

“It is truly a privilege to spend time with someone who consistently demonstrates a willingness to listen to others’ opinions and who offers unwavering support and kindness to her peers,” read Nora Adams’ nomination for respect. “Her positive attitude toward both teachers and classmates is an inspiration to many. Her presence creates a welcoming and encouraging environment for all.”

Jacob Bartlett was also nominated for the award with his nomination saying he is a good influence and never talks to teachers or peers disrespectfully, never fails to help someone in need and studies hard so he can help himself and others.

The third nominee for respect is Estephani Garcia with her nomination saying she is consistently kind and understanding towards others, “listens attentively and creates a safe space for conversations,” and shows respect in the classroom by paying attention and valuing people’s input.

Kindness

Jayson Baker was nominated for kindness. His nomination said he is a source of positivity, “treating everyone with care and consideration” and his actions reflect his desire to make others feel valued.

“He always goes out of his way to help, even when no one asks, and remains calm and supportive, especially in stressful situations,” reads Baker’s nomination. “His kindness is truly inspiring, and it makes a difference in the lives of those around him.”

Loki Cochran was also nominated for the award by someone saying they have known him since the seventh grade, and he has always been a kind person. They said when they sprained their ankle, he helped them walk up to their house.

“He also helps out students with their assignments that they don’t understand,” reads Cochran’s nomination. “One time, I was missing 20 assignments and he personally helped me understand the material. Another time, He noticed a kid eating by himself and invited him to eat with us during lunch. Even though some of the students in this school give Loki a hard time, he still makes sure to be kind to every single student he comes across.”

The third nominee is Devin Moisher who said she demonstrates kindness by talking out problems and asking for help when she needs it, making sure that someone is doing okay when they are having a bad day and is a very good listener.

Selflessness

Chase Moser was nominated for selflessness because he is the “most kind and caring friend” and is the “best and funnest person I have ever met.”

“She is caring to everyone and doesn’t leave anyone out of anything,” reads Kimberly Navarro’s selflessness nomination. “She always cares for her friends and also is nice to people that are not her friends.”

Patience

Isaac Avila was nominated for patience because “he stays calm when things go wrong and takes time to help others figure stuff out.” His nomination also says that he never gets frustrated and is willing to listen to other people’s ideas.

“His patience makes everyone feel supported and helps them work together better,” reads Avila’s nomination.

Aliyah Lafferty was also nominated for the award with her nomination saying she is willing to help whenever someone needs help in class and she is willing to keep helping even if someone doesn’t understand.

“She always looks for someone that needs help and is friends with everyone,” Lafferty’s nomination read. “She is patient even if someone doesn’t get something, it doesn’t stop her from helping.”

The third nominee for patience is Aiyanna Valle whose nomination says they always stay calm even when things get tough.

“Whether it’s helping someone with a difficult task or waiting patiently in line, they never rush or get frustrated,” reads Valle’s nomination. “They listen carefully and make sure everyone feels heard. Their patience helps make our class and team a better place, and it encourages others to stay calm and patient too.”

Perseverance

Brayden LaGrave was nominated for perseverance because he signed the papers to join the Marines and has “worked hard and persevered to get to this point, he works hard every day to get stronger and smarter so that he is ready for when he ships out.” The nomination also said he excels in police work and report writing, always getting his work done.

Tavone Mantese was also nominated for the award with his nomination saying he doesn’t shy away from a challenge but instead takes it head on with full confidence.

“He is a part of the wrestling team as team captain; if he loses a match he will get right back to work to make sure he can come back and be even stronger the next time,” reads Mantese’s nomination. “He doesn’t give up on things even if they get hard, instead he toughens up and pushes through.”

The third nominee for perseverance is José Sanchez whose nomination said he is consistently overcoming obstacles and pushing forward.

“For instance, he remains focused on his goals even when faced with setbacks, using failures as opportunities to learn and grow,” reads Sanchez’ nomination. “Whether tackling difficult tasks, enduring criticism, or facing uncertain outcomes, José stays committed and resilient. His determination to achieve long-term success, combined with the ability to adapt to new circumstances, highlights his unwavering resolve. By staying positive and persistent, José exemplifies the qualities of someone who refuses to give up, inspiring others through his example.

Commitment

Lillian Jackson was nominated for commitment because, according to her nomination, she is able to judge both her home life and the multiple advanced classes she takes.

“Not only that but she still remains an amazing friend, able to take time out of her schedule to talk to me,” reads Jackson’s nomination. “She is incredible and the epitome of commitment!”

Spencer Melum was also nominated for the award with his nomination saying he always commits to getting his work done, always does what he says he is going to do and is always on time to whatever he does even if he doesn’t want to show up.

Montgomery Muir was the third nomination for the award with his nomination saying he joined speech and debate this year and he has attended every meeting and puts “much time and dedication into memorizing his lines for interp.” The nomination also said he put some serious effort into Cabaret this year.

“I can tell that he’s committed to making the most of his senior year doing things he genuinely likes to do,” reads Muir’s nomination.