LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Held in the school’s auditorium, the event was a heartwarming occasion as students were cheered on by their peers, teachers, and family members.

Matias Pelaez, one of the newly inducted members, reflected on the honor of joining the prestigious organization, which recognizes middle school students for their exceptional academic achievements and dedication to service and leadership.

"Being in the National Junior Honor Society is truly a blessing," Pelaez said. "It's great for this because it's beneficial for everybody. It helps the community, helps me, and it'll help everybody later in life."

As the society’s newly appointed treasurer, Pelaez shared the significance of his responsibilities: "As the treasurer of National Junior Honor Society, my job is to be the chief financial officer of our chapter. I have to know a lot about money, accounting, budgeting, and I'm called upon for financial advice. I also keep records of our finances."

Fellow inductee Eddie Olivera spoke about the personal growth he has experienced through the program: "It really benefits my future, and it benefits how I act, how I encourage others." Another student highlighted the importance of leadership, noting, "Being in the pillar of leadership means to hold yourself to a different standard, hold yourself accountable, be confident, and to take action when others hesitate."

𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺’𝘀 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲

Mrs. Fernandes, one of the NJHS advisors, emphasized the organization’s national reputation and rigorous standards. "The National Junior Honor Society is a nationally recognized organization that is used across the country. We apply their standards to what we do here at Soehl," she said.

Eighth-grade teacher and advisor Mrs. Bander added, "The requirements to enter the National Junior Honor Society include maintaining a 3.0 GPA in all your classes. We review report cards from 7th grade and take teacher recommendations to ensure that students exemplify all pillars of the National Junior Honor Society."

These pillars—Service, Scholarship, Character, Leadership, and Citizenship—were central to the evening’s theme. Layth Abdallah, another inductee, eloquently captured the spirit of service, saying, "Service is a crucial pillar in National Junior Honor Society, and it is simply being willing to do whatever it takes for the benefit of the community around you. You do it without wanting any recognition or compensation for it—just for the satisfaction of helping others."

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

Superintendent Atiya Y. Perkins delivered inspiring remarks and engaged in a memorable conversation with NJHS President Zohra Kamache.

"What was the experience like, seeking this role to be the president?" Perkins asked.

Kamache responded thoughtfully: "It was wonderful because I felt proud of myself for being elected by the other members of the society. I thought I did a great job representing myself."

Superintendent Perkins praised her efforts: "I'm proud of you. What you're saying makes so much sense. I think about leadership—some say it's a natural trait, while others believe it’s learned. But what matters is that you said yes to the task, and I thank you for that."

Perkins offered encouragement to all inductees: "To lead others, you must first be a leader of yourself. Being nominated and elected shows you are demonstrating leadership skills, and people believe in you. Keep pushing forward—you are all leaders in the making."

Pride in Leadership and Academic Excellence

Principal Long expressed immense pride in the inductees, describing them as role models for the school community.

"Our students consist of dedicated individuals who are proud, strong-willed, and leaders in training. They are here to support their peers and show they have what it takes to excel both academically and socially," Long said.

The principal also shared aspirations for the future: "It is my hope that our 6th and 7th graders will look up to our NJHS members as inspiration, so that when they reach 8th grade, they too can apply to be great leaders of this school."