Jennifer Roberts, NHS adviser and teacher at Hallsville High School in Hallsville, TX, is the 2015 winner of the Rynearson Award, recognizing the NHS and NJHS Adviser of the Year.
Jennifer comes highly recommended by her school principal John Martin. “I have observed Jennifer as a classroom teacher where she has been a true professional…with utmost efficiency and ability,” says Martin, who has worked with her for the past seven years in her role as both NHS adviser and English Language Arts teacher. She is “a wonderfully friendly, witty, sincere and talented lady.”
Jennifer says, “NHS membership allows students to share their gifts with others. It allows them the opportunity to use their scholarship to foster a love of learning. Their character might lead them to donate food at the food bank or to be an example or perseverance in the face of adversity. Their leadership can provide a voice for the voiceless. Service allows them to see the change needed in the world. They have such power in their brain, in their words, in their deeds – power to make a difference.”
The impact of Jennifer’s leadership can be seen in the variety of service projects her chapter conducts for her school and community. Most notably, she highlights her chapter’s Shoes for Kids service project, which her chapter has conducted for a decade. She recounted the impact that one particular recipient had on her, and her chapter’s then president, Casey. “Casey shared with me how much the experience meant to him, meeting someone who had no role model to show him the simplest gesture of shaking hands…Casey learned the true value of giving back to his community. … The image of Casey kneeling with his hand out is imprinted on my memory as a reminder of our ability to change the world…”
Mr. Martin expressed hope that the NHS and NJHS National Council “will realize what a special person Jennifer is and recognize the unique skill set she possesses. The Council did indeed recognize these traits and enthusiastically selected Jennifer Roberts as the winner of the 2015 Rynearson Award.
The Rynearson Award, named for the founder of NHS, Edward Rynearson, principal of the Fifth Avenue School in Pittsburgh, PA, annually recognizes an outstanding adviser in honor of the individual’s service and dedication to the Honor Society, and for exemplifying the commitment and perseverance of the founder.