National Junior Honors Society Gains New Passionate Students

By Bethany Thomas

National Junior Honors Society is for New Haven middle school students, and members are chosen for their outstanding performance in school and the community. NJHS helps middle school students prepare to take on a leadership role when they make it into the high school’s NJHS. It is very honorable to be chosen for it; however, it is not easy to meet all of the requirements.

Julie Westemeyer, New Haven Middle School English teacher, shares her views on the National Juniors Honor Society.

“I think NJHS is a great way to not only acknowledge students that get good grades, but it also goes beyond that and spotlights students that make positive decisions and show leadership in school and around the community.  The committee works very hard to select students who show respect to their classmates and teachers, demonstrate positive attitudes, and who make the extra effort to do their best in class.”

To be chosen for the NJHS, these students must have perfect attendance for a full semester and have an average of 85% in English, math, social studies, science, and reading.

They also have to undergo an application process in order to be chosen. The entire faculty is informed of the list of the students that have applied so they can determine if each candidate has met all of the qualifications. After applications are submitted, it takes the staff about 2 weeks to make a final decision regarding the chosen members.

Casey Baker is a 7th grade NJHS member. She is also a member of the 4H club. She said, “It felt like I waited for 2 months, not 2 weeks!”

There are five qualities that need to be shown in order to be chosen for NJHS: scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.

A student that shows scholarship maintains an 85% or higher average in reading, English, science, math, and social studies. They also must show that they are committed to learning by putting a lot of effort into their school work.

Students must exercise leadership in school, work, and community activities. They must demonstrate resourcefulness in making suggestions to resolve difficult situations.

NJHS members must show characteristics of service and citizenship in many ways. They must be willing to volunteer and participate in activities in the community. They also must be willing to take on difficult responsibilities without complaints.

NJHS members of character take criticism willingly and accept recommendations graciously. They consistently rid themselves of bad influences around school and their community. They must show courtesy, respect, and concern for others.

The new members of NJHS:

• Brady Vedder
• Luke Gerlemann
• Alexis Sidwell
• Sam Penning
• Johanna Bloch
• Casey Baker
• Grace Farris
• Sheny Delgado
• Madison Lang
• David Miller
• Ellie Westermeyer
• Jacob Engelbrecht
• Dori McCarty
• August Panhorst
• Maya Wideman

The NJHS members’ pledge:
“I pledge myself to uphold
The high purpose of the National Junior Honor Society
To which I have been selected.
I will be true to the principles for which it stands.
I will be loyal to my school.
And will maintain and encourage
High standards of scholarship, service, leadership,
Character, and citizenship.”

Ellie Westermeyer was one of the students chosen for the NJHS. She is a 7th grader and also member of the 4H club.  She reported, “I’m most excited about all of us getting together to put fundraisers together, like Penny Horse and other volunteer activities.”

“Being inducted into NJHS is an honor, and with that honor comes the responsibility to uphold the principles of the group. These students must continue to work hard and be positive influences in our school and community,” Julie Westemeyer stated.

Overall, it is a very big honor to be chosen for the NJHS, although it is not easy to accomplish. To set a goal, it takes desire; but to accomplish that goal, it takes determination. These members of the NHJS are very good examples of showing desire and determination.

Congratulations to the new members! Keep up the good work!