Dr. Raza Khan, associate professor and discipline coordinator of Chemistry, was the keynote speaker at the National Honor Society Leadership Day at Manchester Valley High School on September 18, 2014.

As keynote speaker, he addressed area high school students who are leaders of the National Honor Society in the Carroll County Public Schools.

Khan spoke about four pillars of what it takes to be an effective leader of the National Honor Society: character, service, leadership and scholarship.

Character: Character defines a person. Practice responsibility, care, fairness, respect, loyalty, and above all, not to waiver from what is true.

Service: Service is about giving back to the school and the community without expecting any kind of compensation in return. It is difficult to provide such services where there seems to be no “reward” tied to it, other than the feeling of joy. But that is what it takes to be part of this society. Leadership: An effective leader is a person who not only cares about his or her constituents, but is also a role model. A leader provides support and nourishment of professional growth. Above all else, leaders forego personal interest for the best interest of society.

Scholarship: Many define scholarship as a monetary award given to a student in higher education. However, the true definition of scholarship is the striving for knowledge with the highest integrity for the betterment of humankind.

“I have spoken to many student groups and I do this because I want them to never give up on higher education if that is the route they choose to pursue,” said Khan. “I was raised by parents who could not afford education – my father was forced to stop his education in third grade so that he could work in a factory. I will never forget the sacrifices my parents made for me to get an education against all odds that prevailed in that society. Being able to speak to our younger generation is one of the greatest feelings, but I do it with full understanding that I am paying my debt back to my parents who knew – far more than I – the true value of an education.”

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