The Pledge of Allegiance and morning announcements are something BHS students hear everyday, but who are the students behind the voices?

Two students alternate reciting the patriotic phrase every morning, broadcasted to each classroom.

The first speaker, Angelica “Marcella” Pagan Amon, is a senior who is looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity, and is also a first generation student in America.

“I wanted to expand my knowledge about what I could do at school,” she said, “I was presented with the opportunity to say the pledge along with a few others by the principal and was happy to accept.”

The second speaker is Kyle Chen, a sophomore whose second language is English and has been exposed to numerous locations during his studies. For Chen, this passion sparked earlier on.

“My participation in this activity actually stems from my middle school days; a teacher there recommended that I become a broadcaster, and I went on to serve in that role for two or three years,” he said.

Chen noted he strives to become even better at what he does and is open for improvement.

“This experience significantly fostered a sense of inclusion and boosted my self-confidence, thereby empowering me to continue carrying out this work effectively, as everyone was incredibly encouraging,” he added.

As everyone knows, the Pledge of Allegiance is a symbol and reflection of the country’s values, but to Pagan Amon and Chen, it provides recognition of their responsibility as American citizens and to pay respect to the land we live in.

But how does one acquire this position, and what was the process to join?

At the beginning of the school year, Principal Lee Panagoulias sent out a form to all students about join the morning announcements team. After receiving submissions, he met with each candidate to finalize the decision.

“I met with anyone who said they were interested and I went over the commitment they had to make,” he said. “We started with four or five students, and we finished with the two students that we have now.”

“They’ve been incredibly enthusiastic and responsible. And they have made BHS very proud. It’s been a nice way to start everyday,” Panagoulias said.

Editor’s Note:
The Buzz is doing a brief series on immigrant students at BHS; this is the first story in the series. Check out the next story on a BHS student that arrived in the USA from Haiti, and his story on adjusting.