Middle School Leaders Inducted into National Junior Honor Society

On Monday evening, the EUFSD celebrated the next generation of student leaders, as 71 Eastchester Middle School students were officially welcomed into the National Junior Honor Society at an induction ceremony in the EHS/EMS Auditorium.Through their academic achievement and civic-mindedness, the large cohort has already made invaluable contributions to the community around them, but even more great things lie in store for this newest group of difference-makers. 

Founded in 1929, the NJHS was established to recognize middle school students who exemplify the five pillars of the organization: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Character and Citizenship. Members of the Eastchester chapter must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 93% to be considered for induction. Those whose grades qualify them for this recognition then undergo a rigorous application process that asks them to reflect on how their time as middle schoolers has been spent upholding those five core pillars. 

“The 71 young adults seated before you have tirelessly committed themselves to the highest levels of success and are genuinely deserving of the recognition they are receiving,” said NJHS advisor Lisa VanTassell. “[This is] a night that celebrates one of the greatest honors that a middle school student can achieve.

“It is the unwavering sum of their dedication, their production, their character, their selflessness, their diligence and their resilience that has earned this group the honor of becoming members of this elite society,” she added. 

Eighth grader Christopher Dunleavy—who was named the NJHS president—discussed the importance that scholarship can play even beyond the walls of the classroom, urging his fellow inductees to continue to engage the world with the same curiosity and zeal with which they approach their studies. 

“Scholarship is the power that eliminates ignorance, bias, superstition and fear; it teaches us about the past so that we may anticipate and plan for a better future,” he said. “The values gained from our education here at Eastchester Middle School will pay us a thousand-fold, both academically and in life.”

It’s not hard to see just how much impact these youngsters are having on the world around them already. This year’s inductees have already undertaken a number of initiatives, including letter-writing campaigns to military veterans and patients at nearby Lawrence Hospital. Perhaps most impressive, however, was their fundraising push ahead of last weekend’s Relay for Life event, a drive that saw the group raise over $55,000 for the American Cancer Society. 

This year, the NJHS raised money to honor the memory of Samantha Kearns, a beloved EMS teacher who passed away last year after her own battle against cancer.

Kiera McGee, the organization’s vice president, explained that while NJHS members embrace their role as leaders, they must be cognizant that true leadership is born from a consistent drive to live up to one’s ideals.

“Actions, not words, are the true measure of leadership and the means by which we inspire others," she said. "Leaders may use their voices or lead quietly by example, but regardless of their approach, they always model the right course of action.”

Now, as the latest group of NJHS members prepare for their final weeks at EMS, they will be tasked with continuing to uphold the ideals of the organization as they make an impact on Eastchester High School and beyond. 

“We need a world of leaders, and you can be the leaders of the 21st century,” said EUFSD Superintendent Dr. Ronald Valenti. “I call upon all of you to think critically each day, engage each day and grow each day, emotionally and with heart and spirit.”