The inaugural group of 25 students was inducted into the Middle School’s newly established chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) on Oct. 20, marking an important milestone in recognizing student achievement, leadership and service for the middle school community.
Inducted students are:
Audrey Acevedo
Arianny Acosta
Sophia Antoine
Priya Bhagwandeen
Daniel DeFazio-Schultz
Jayse DeJesus
Lincoln DeYoung
Giovanni Fiorianti
Brayden Hansen
Zoey Harrison
Kenia Hernandez Encarnacion
Angela Jans
Elizabeth Jordan
Nicholas Kappel
Lila Klein
Emily McIlroy
Jillian Mecocci
Carson Murphy
Dominic Onorato
Luke Pausz
Emily Reicherter
Jake Ross
Jacob Thompson
Lily Walter
Molly Yourman
“These students aren't simply joining an existing tradition,” co-advisor Lauren Keppler said during the induction ceremony. “They are helping establish one. As our inaugural members, you have a unique opportunity to help shape this chapter and set an example for the students who will follow you. Their choices, service projects and participation can influence what NJHS becomes for future Minisink Valley students.”
Announced last spring, this new chapter creates new opportunities for students to build a tradition of service and leadership within the Middle School and greater Minisink Valley communities. NJHS, which was established in 1929, recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in five areas: Scholarship, leadership, service, character and citizenship. These pillars emphasize that achievement extends beyond academic success to include how students lead, support others and contribute to their community.
Principal Michael Larsen noted the Middle School's faculty and administration as well as district leadership were thrilled to see new chapter’s established, reminding students their selection not only represents their academic success, but also the character and commitment they’ve demonstrated as members of the school community.
“As the first group of students inducted into our middle school’s NJHS, you have a unique opportunity to set the standard for the students who will follow you,” Mr. Larsen told them. “I hope you take that responsibility seriously and recognize how special it is to be part of this first chapter in our school’s history.”
In particular, he highlighted one particular NJHS pillar.
“While all five are important, I want to emphasize the importance of service,” added Mr. Larsen. “Being successful in school is important, but what matters just as much is how we use our abilities to help others. Service doesn’t always mean doing something big or extraordinary. It is about putting others' needs before your own. Sometimes, it’s helping a classmate, volunteering your time, supporting someone who needs it or simply making an effort to make someone else’s day a little better. Those small actions can have a lasting impact. Being a leader isn’t about having a title or being recognized. It’s about the choices you make every day and the positive difference you make in the lives of others.”
Co-advisor Frank Pasquino also stressed the importance of these five pillars during the ceremony.
“These five pillars represent the values at the heart of NJHS,” he said. “Together, they remind us that membership is not just an honor to receive, but a responsibility to uphold. Membership in NJHS is an achievement to be proud of, but it also represents a commitment. As our inaugural group, these students have the opportunity to help shape the future of NJHS at our school and set an example for those who follow.”
Similar to the high school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, NJHS membership offers middle school students the opportunity to develop skills and habits that can serve them well throughout their academic careers and beyond. Through the chapter, students can strengthen their leadership abilities, participate in service initiatives and learn firsthand how individual contributions can make a difference.