By Juanie Prisbrey
Moapa Valley Progress
The Mack Lyon Middle School National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) recently held a ceremony to induct new members.
Principal Rod Adams opened by welcoming new members and thanking this year’s 8th grade members for their service, time, and leadership. Outgoing president, Janell DeLaFrance, recapped the events of the past year. She also spoke about the importance of the five traits of NJHS: character, scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service.
Guest speaker and Lyon teacher, Cheryl Jack, talked about the value of membership in the organization. Her daughter was an NJHS member years ago and had learned valuable lessons in leadership and service.
Jack shared the Parable of the Popcorn, which was a story how popcorn kernels all appear to be the same at the beginning. However, as heat and oil are added, the kernels behaved differently. Jack observed that some just lie there in the pan, keeping the heat and warmth for themselves. Other kernels choose to pop and give their all so that they could bring happiness to others.
Assistant Principal Jaydel Wilson pointed out that leadership was already evident in NJHS’s new members. Among the new members were Student Council officers, Cheer Captains, Dance Captain, and Spelling Bee winner.
Taylor Cordaro and Nephi Boren received the Service Awards. Marissa Perez received the Leaderhsip Award.
NJHS members for the 2011-12 school year: Tatyanna Garcia (president), Danie Smith (vice president), Hyram McMurray (secretary), Sidney Williams (historian), Andrea Leavitt, Autumn Udall, Bailey Kesl, Dennis Whitmore, Jay Mortensen, Jordan Morwood, Kaleigh Hill, McKaela Henrie, Natasha Ortiz, Nate Cox, R.J. Hubert, Sam Bond, Sidnee Anderson, and Bo Redd.
