Twenty-three Onteora Middle School students were inducted into Onteora’s chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) during a candlelit ceremony on March 24.
The new inductees are: Gabrielle Alterio, Jasmine Barker, Juliet Barry, Aoife Bronston, Charles Denton, Abigail Elliott, Giuliana Frisenda, Connor Gierloff, Bernadette Hughes, Charlee Kennoch, Talula Kirschner, Foster Knoche, Sadie Konjas, Delilah Lieberman, Alexandra Lukowicz, Lucia McDonagh, Luc Millenson-Wilens, Reisa Reynolds, Makayla Robbins, Maxwell Scanlon, Jake Slater, Liliana Smith and Andrew Umhey.
The new members were congratulated by Middle School Principal Jennifer O’Connor, who praised the students’ skills in time management and perseverance and told parents that it was their support that helped ensure their success.
Interim Superintendent Marystephanie Corsones also spoke to the inductees, stressing that their “small everyday actions” and “good choices and work habits” led to this moment.
In addition, Class of 2022 Valedictorian Joey Driscoll shared some words of wisdom with the honorees, encouraging them to “take advantage of every learning opportunity” that comes their way.
Faculty co-advisors Brian Schaffer and Corey Cavallaro noted that although students who achieve academic honors for two consecutive quarters are eligible to apply for membership, the NJHS is more than just an honor roll. “Applicants are also required to show leadership, citizenship and community service involvement,” Schaffer explained. “In addition to school support activities, NJHS members conduct two major service projects each school year.”
After several current members spoke about the honor society’s essential values of scholarship, leadership, service, character and citizenship, each inductee was presented with their medal. The night ended with members — both new and old — reciting the NJHS pledge.
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