Are your NJHS students living out the core pillars of the National Junior Honor Society: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship? If so, it’s time to recognize them for their hard work and dedication. The NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA) offers a remarkable opportunity for students to celebrate their accomplishments and further their educational aspirations, with the top 500 being awarded a $500 college savings plan. But the January 24 application deadline is fast approaching.
To help inspire your students to reflect on their leadership and apply for this award, we’ve gathered testimonials from five students who applied for and received the OAA last year. Take their word for it: This is an opportunity you don’t want your students to miss.
“I chose to apply for the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award not only because of the money for college but also to challenge myself as well… The NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award also was a great way to challenge me… Even by winning this award, I plan and will continue to practice good citizenship, scholarship, and leadership wherever I go.”
— Everest Martinez
Honolulu, HI
“Being in Junior Honor Society boosted my pride…when I came across this Award, the first thought that ran through my mind was, ‘This could be my opportunity.’ I applied for the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award because I believed that it could lead to bigger opportunities, and there, I could create something great to assist the community and those younger than me.”
— Mia Schwarzkopf
Kirkland, WA
“I chose to apply for the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award for multiple reasons including reflection and personal growth, recognition and validation, inspiration and becoming a role model, connections and networking, and finally college and future opportunities…NJHS has had an incredible impact on my teenage years…Receiving this scholarship proves and validates my commitment to scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.”
— Julian Reji
Livonia, MI
“I felt that I would be an exemplary candidate for the award. I have been consistent with community service activities, and I always participate actively in every NJHS meeting…I have shown scholarship by consistently making an effort to learn…A scholarship helps someone pursue higher education, which helps them get a better job, which helps them earn money, which they could donate to other charities. This scholarship gives me an opportunity to use education to give back to the community.”
— Aleena Joseph
Midlothian, VA
“When I had first heard of the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award, my adviser had encouraged me to present myself as an active volunteer in the community…The way my community works together is absolutely inspiring…I realized how great it would be for our community to have someone represent them, especially overseas.”
— Alexandra Johnson
Armed Forces Europe (Germany)