The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is an organization that was founded in 1929 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). There are five pillars that have helped guide the organization from the beginning, which include: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.
Last Thursday, May 18th, OLHMS hosted the annual NJHS Induction Ceremony. Our ceremony started with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Maggie Bertalmio., a welcome message by NJHS President Spencer McCarthy and remarks from Dr. Paul Enderle, Superintendent of D123; Mr. Brian Nicholas, President of the Board of Education; Mrs. Naser-Hammad, PTSA ; and Dr. Sean McNichols. After several heart-felt messages, our scholars represented and spoke about each of the five pillars. Once the five pillar representatives recited its respected ideal, students lit a candle that represented that pillar. After the ceremony, Quinn was asked what NJHS means to him, he stated “NJHS has been a great opportunity to better myself as a person. In the past few years, being a part of NJHS has helped me strive to be a better scholar, as it pushes me to always give my fullest effort and settle for nothing less than success. It has taught me how to be a good leader, to put helping others over helping myself, and it has taught me to put the greater good as a whole above myself. It has helped me to strive to become the best me I can possibly be and has helped me become a more well-rounded person through sacrifice and commitment to be able to achieve my goals. And for me most importantly it has taught me integrity, as it greatened my willingness to help others and serve my community regardless if I am benefited from my action, as on the contrary it has greatened my sense of appreciation and gratefulness for others for when they help me, even if it is the most subtle of things. Being part of NJHS has been a huge honor and has helped me grow as a person during the past two years.”
After our 68 new NJHS members were recognized, they were sworn in by Dr. McNichols as they recited the Group Pledge. We are extremely proud of our current and new NJHS members for their dedication, leadership, and example in and out of the classroom.
Thank you to our NJHS Advisors, Mrs. Ksiazek, Mrs. Owens, and Mrs. Omiecinski for putting this beautiful ceremony together, and for all of their hard work throughout the year.