15 ALK Students Inducted into National Junior Honor Society
Posted March 22, 2019The Anna L. Klein School inducted one of its largest groups ever into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) at their 10th annual ceremony on March 7. The event took place in the school’s cafetorium before a large crowd of peers, administrators, and proud family members.
The NJHS is open to students in grades 6 through 8. Students must submit an application and meet rigorous standards to be accepted, including maintaining a high grade point average, engaging in community service, and exhibiting leadership qualities by participating in groups or clubs.
A total of 15 students were inducted this year after stringent review by a team of five teachers. The nine inductees in grade 6 were Nathan Blaya, Frida Castillo, Leanna Coello, Amelia Durango, Kamila Franco, Abdourahmane Mbengue, Amirkian Najafzadeh, Sherly Rodriguez, and Ashley Serrano. The six inductees in grade 7 were Jacob Escobar, Amira Hamzah, Jaskaery Lizardo, Emely Lopez, Yasira Pineda, and Skylah Santiago.
ALK School Principal Keith Petry opened the proceedings by welcoming the guests to the event and congratulating the honorees for their hard work and achievement, with NJHS Advisor Angela Travelli explaining the purpose and importance of the occasion.
Five of the students spoke about the pillars of the NJHS: Amelia Durango on scholarship, Amirkian Najafzadeh on leadership, Yasira Pineda on character, Sherly Rodriguez on service, and Ashley Serrano on citizenship.
Closing the ceremony was a stirring rendition of the Katy Perry song “Firework,” sung by
Jaskaery Lizardo, Brianna Paulino, and Isabella Randell.
Following the presentation, everyone was treated to free pastries and refreshments.