 NATIONAL
JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY
This year’s Executive Board members are:
President Christen Finkbeiner
Vice President Elizabeth Bisbee
Secretary Rachel Stone
Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Rhodes
Treasurer Tucker Maute
Assistant Treasurer Madeline Summa
Sgt.-At- Arms Justin Summerville
Parlimentarian Alex Thomas
Members-at-Large Brian Schultz and Pricilla Puente
Advisor, Ms. Candace Derringer
History
NJHS was created to recognize and encourage academic achievement while
developing other characteristics essential to citizens in a democracy.
The ideals of scholarship, character, service, leadership, and citizenship
continue to be our guiding lights. The PLDMS Chapter was chartered in
1985, and currently has 89 members. Membership is both an honor and
a responsibility. It is open to all students who choose to apply themselves
and consequently meet the criteria established in the five goal areas.
Interested 6th and 7th graders should be working on these goals daily.
NJHS carries out various projects and activities. Members are involved
throughout the year as volunteers at school fund raising dinners and
events, as coordinators of canned food and pet supply drives, as secret
Santa for disadvantaged youngsters in pre-K Program, as peer tutors,
as organizers of school dances to build school spirit, and the list
goes on.
Selection
In the spring of each year, immediately after Quarter 3 grades are assigned,
the Faculty Council (5 teachers appointed by the principal) and the
advisor
set about screening Grade Point Averages to determine the initial 7th
grade
candidate pool. A GPA of 3.5 will again be required for candidates interested
in
membership for the following school year. Once this pool is determined,
each candidate will be given an opportunity to complete a Student Activity
Information Form related to the following areas: Co curricular Activities
(groups, clubs, teams, etc. ), Leadership Positions(elected or appointed),
Service Activities (individually or as a group member), Other Community
Activities (outside of school), and Work Experience, Recognition, and
Awards that support his/her bid to be selected for membership in NJHS.
Faculty evaluation forms may be used to supplement the Student Activity
Information Form. Selection for membership into NJHS is always by a
majority vote of the Faculty Council. Membership is for the 8th grade
year at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School.
(excerpts from past PLDMS
Newsletter, and quotes about some of our activities -- See what we’re
about)
“The Salvation Army
Canned Food Drive is one of our yearly projects. Each year we all work
together to gather as many cans as possible, trying to exceed the counts
from previous years. This year our total count was over 2000 cans. We
also like to add a little fun by having each grade level compete against
the others to see which grade can collect the most cans. This year,
First Place went to the 8th Grade, followed by 6th Grade...Seventh Grade
came in third. Thanks to everyone at PLDMS for helping with this worthy
project.”
“For the past several
years, PLDMS has participated in an annual Christmas project to benefit
needy children. The focus has been on Headstart and Pre-K programs at
various Lee County schools.
We adopt students from local schools who have made wish lists for Christmas.
We provided them with a warm outfit and other items from their wish
list, such as Barbies, hair clips, dolls, Pokeman creatures and cards,
action figures, play dough, and doll house supplies. Members enjoy this
project and helping less fortunate youngsters at Christmas time. Several
faculty members join us each year in the project which allows us to
adopt so many kids.”
“Each spring we will
have our annual pet supply drive. That’s a time when pet supplies
are really needed, since so many kittens and puppies come that time
of year. Start saving things at home now!”
“...we are beginning
to plan for another of our favorite yearly projects, our Valentine Dance.
This will be held on February 14th from 4:00-5:30 There will be refreshments,
decorations, and of course, a live DJ. Members of NJHS are coming up
with unique ideas for contests that will be held and door prizes will
be awarded. Parent, you might find it comforting to know that there
will be as many as 50 honor society members attending, plus several
adult chaperones. This will definitely be a safe and orderly event......but
one with lots of activity and fun for all ages. Tickets will be on sale
the week of the dance during lunch periods. All students will need signed
parent permission slips to buy tickets. They will be handed out through
7th period teachers. So plan for this neat dance, come on in, we guarantee
this will be the best dance ever!!”
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