OLEAN — During the Cattaraugus County National Honor Society’s 47th annual recognition dinner Wednesday night, some of the area’s brightest students received plaques for their scholarship, service and leadership — the first three pillars of the National Honor Society.

They were also reminded that their success wouldn’t have been possible without the fourth and final pillar of the National Honor Society: character.

“It’s perhaps the most important of all four traits,” said guest speaker Dr. K. James Evans, vice president and dean of student affairs at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Pa.). “Without character, the other three traits mean nothing.”

Approximately 400 students and educators gathered at Good Times of Olean to recognize the accomplishments of students in all 12 National Honor Society chapters in Cattaraugus County, as well as award them scholarships. The dinner is sponsored by the boards of education throughout the county, as well as the Cattaraugus-Allegany Superintendents’ Association.

While the banquet recognized students’ accomplishments and what they’d already achieved, it also focused on students’ futures. Evans told students their membership in the National Honor Society means older generations are putting their trust in them to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Students are beginning their adult lives in “one of the most exciting times in U.S. history,” as the country has never been more diverse in terms of race, religion and opportunities for both men and women, he said.

“As the years go by, reflect from time to time on the traits of the National Honor Society, and use these values to educate your children, nieces, nephews and all those who follow you,” he said. “I hope you will always remember the evening of your recognition dinner and the four pillars on which the society stands.”

In addition to students, a retiring superintendent was also recognized. Franklinville Central School District Superintendent Michelle Spasiano, who also sits on the dinner’s committee, received a standing ovation from the room.

Betty Pappas, chair of the committee, said while she’s only known Spasiano for a few years, she instantly knew Spasiano was someone she’d want on the committee upon first meeting her. The two then shared an emotional moment at the podium.

FIVE SCHOLARSHIPS of $1,000 each, which honor the originators of the banquet, were awarded to students who competed on academic achievement and writing ability. The recipients were:

Plaques for the Outstanding Chapter Member of each school were presented to:

The Scholastic Excellence Award, which is given to the senior National Honor Society member from each school with the highest combined SAT score on any one test date, was presented to:

The Distinguished Services Award, which goes to the “unsung hero” of each school, was presented to:

(Contact reporter Tom Dinki at tdinki@oleantimesherald.com. Follow him on Twitter, @tomdinki)