By Stephanie Bunker

Moapa Valley Progress

New inductees were introduced last week at a special ceremony of the Mack Lyon Middle School National Junior Honor Society. Photo by Stephanie Bunker.

Mack Lyon Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) gathered the most qualified 7th graders for their program at an induction ceremony last week. Parents gathered for the ceremony which was held on Friday in the school’s library.

NJHS Counselor Jared Meyer explained that the purpose of the ceremony is to welcome the inductee’s into the NJHS, and for the current 8th graders to pass the responsibility onto the next class.

There were 11 inductee’s to the program. In order for them to be selected, each one has to maintain a 3.5 Grade Point Average throughout the year. Inductees also had to have an interview in front of the NJHS Officer Committee, and have two letters of reference.

The 2012-2013 Inductees are, Brooke Bodily, Madison Bush, Sierra Holloway, Ashley Jourdan, Chase Kruse, Dalyn Leavitt, Abby Morgan, Kelly Prisbrey, Tiffany Sprague, Matilda Thompson, and Dayton Wolfley.

During the Induction Ceremony, there were five candles lit. Each candle represented a value important the NJHS. The current officers each took a turn to speak for a moment on each value. The Scholarship value was presented by Society president Tatyanna Garcia. Danielle Smith, Vice President, spoke about leadership, Secretary Hyram McMurray talked about service. The last two values were Character given by Sidney Williams the Historian, and Citizenship by Mr. Meyer.

Members of NJHS play an active role in the school and community. Three hours of service are required every month for each member. They meet together three times a month, and also participate in a group activity.

Past service and activities have included toy and food drives, blood drives, haunted house at community Halloween parties, and organizing a cheer section at middle school sports games. Students will participate in a leadership retreat in August as well.

According to Meyer, the Honor Society works to improve leadership, public speaking, and team building. “We want the kids to start thinking locally and begin seeing different clubs and organizations that are out there,” he said.