MLK School Complex Held National Junior Honor Society Induction
The National Junior Honor Society demonstrates a school’s commitment to the five pillars of the organization: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.
May 14, 2024
ATLANTIC CITY — The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex held a National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) induction on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Parents, siblings, and school staff filled the auditorium as new members took their place among the ranks of other students who have shown their commitment to the five pillars of the NJHS (scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship). Also attending the ceremony was Board of Education member Hollisha Bridgers.
A teary-eyed principal Jodi Burroughs welcomed the crowd assembled for the 5:30 p.m. candle-lighting ceremony. “I’ll try not to cry, but if I do, it’s because my heart is filled, not just for them, but for you,” said Burroughs. “We are so proud of these young people.”
The school's involvement in the NJHS program demonstrates it commitment to the five pillars of the organization. Service in the NJHS also helps middle school students become “well-rounded student leaders in their school, community and beyond,” according to the NJHS website. The minimum scholarship requirement a chapter may set is a cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or an equivalent cumulative standard of excellence. Each school chapter can set a cumulative GPA requirement above the minimum. The national office, however, cannot require a chapter to lower a properly implemented higher cumulative GPA.
Students read statements about each pillar:
Mekhi Gibbs addressed Scholarship. Ryan Martinez discussed service. Lianna Rivera focused on leadership. Tarajii Owens talked about character and Jamir Adderly spoke of the value of citizenship. Parents and supporters looked on with smiles and nodded their heads with approval.
"I represent citizenship," said Adderly, "the obligations each member of our society faces is to live up to the Democratic ideals given to us by the founders of our country. We have many responsibilities in our own communities, the state, the nation and the world. As good citizens, we are bound to live up to the laws and guidelines which unite us as a civilized society. Good citizens work together to improve not only our lives, but the lives of all our fellow citizens."
Lamara Bridgers, Adderly’s mother, acknowledged the hard work that goes into achieving NJHS membership. “We are more than proud,” said Bridgers.
Jennifer Hagel, school counselor and the NJHS advisor, said that although the members are competitive, they are extremely ethical. “This group of kids is something special,” said Hagel. “They’re sweet. They take care of each other. They really support each other, and they’re brilliant.” Burroughs agreed. “They compete with their best selves,” Burroughs said. “They try to better their best. These are some of my favorite people.”
Jayana Adams, who already runs her own student-owned company J-Bakes, said the opportunity to work alongside her fellow NJHS members was exciting.
“I feel thankful and happy that my hard work has paid off,” said Adams. “This has been a big blessing in my life.”
History of the National Junior Honor Society
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) founded NJHS in 1928 to create enthusiasm for scholarship; stimulate a desire to render service; promote leadership, encourage responsible citizenship; and develop character in secondary schools.
NJHS chapters operate in all 50 states and schools around the world, serving more than one million students. Each year, the average NJHS chapter contributes:
- 650 hours of school/community service
- $1,000 in charitable donations
- 500 pounds of food to local, state, and national causes
- 375 pints of blood
The NASSP also founded and manages the National Honor Society, which was established in 1921} the National Student Council, which was established in 1931; and the National Elementary Honor Society, which was established in 2008.
Burroughs said her NJHS members, who are part of the National Junior Honor Society Delta Mu Lambda Kappa Chapter, live up to the high standards set by the organization.
“They are responsible, self-reliant and self-motivated,” Burroughs said. “They have vision. They have goals. They are hungry for success, and I am looking forward to seeing what they become.”
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex NJHS Delta Mu Lambda Kappa Chapter members are:
- Jayana Adams
- Jamir Adderly
- Ha'Leeya Ceaser
- Zoey Carreon
- John Figueroa
- Mekhi Gibbs
- Jamir Harris
- Jamil Harvey
- Eden Hilton
- Ryan Martinez
- Dayanara Mendoza-Luna
- Tarajii Owens
- Cheyenne Pugh
- Lianni Rivera
- Aniyah Wilkins
- Aaliyah Yon
Click the link to see our photo gallery from the induction ceremony.
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