LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOL, NJ โ Pride, purpose, and possibility filled the McManus Middle School auditorium on November 26 as the middle school celebrated the induction of 33 new members and four returning scholars into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), one of the nationโs most respected and historic student leadership organizations.
Families, educators, and district leaders gathered to honor students whose achievements represent excellence in scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship -- the five pillars of NJHS. Among the distinguished guests were Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins, Board President Dr. Marlene Berghammer, Board Member Brianna Armstead, and Linden Mayor Derek Armstead, each lending voice to a powerful message of aspiration and stewardship.
NJHS advisors Jennifer Colella and Brenda Kaneaster led the ceremony, joined by Principal William Mastriano and Vice Principal Maribel Joven, whose leadership continues to strengthen the chapter and its mission.
The Five Pillars: A Roadmap for Life
Student leaders provided reflections on the five pillars that form the foundation of NJHSโscholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenshipโreminding their peers that membership is not a destination but a responsibility.
Each pillar was described not as an academic concept, but as a daily practice, offering a roadmap for how students can contribute to their school, community, and the wider world.
A Celebration of Excellence and Expectation
Colella opened the morning ceremony by spotlighting the significance of NJHS membership. โYou were selected based on the five pillar criteria inscribed on the Honor Society emblem,โ she told the students. โBeing selected is not just about strong grades. Itโs about demonstrating excellence in all areas of personal and academic growth.โ
Colella congratulated families, acknowledging the quiet but essential labor behind student success. She invited inductees to applaud their parents.
Superintendent Perkins: โThe Mission Has Always Been Possibleโand So Have You.โ
Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins infused the ceremony with humor, joy, and earnest inspiration. โLook at who is in the audience: your family. They appreciate you. They celebrate you. And after today, you can probably ask them for anything,โ she joked, sparking laughter throughout the room.
But her message quickly turned profound.
โLeadership is not about a titleโitโs about character, service, citizenship, scholarship. Itโs about you,โ she said. โHigh-five yourselves in the mirror later. High-five yourselves tomorrow. High-five yourselves any day you feel like a leader because you are a leader, and you belong in every space youโre in.โ
She closed by urging students to carry the pride of this moment into their future: โRepresent yourselves firstโthatโs what leaders doโand represent McManus Middle School with that same pride. The vision is possible.โ
Principal Mastriano: โYou Are the Fabric of This School.โ
Principal Mastriano in his message to the students reinforced the idea that NJHS selection is rooted in deep commitment. โItโs not just because youโre smart. Itโs because you show persistence, drive, and motivation,โ he said. โI see student-athletes, actors, drama club members, students who stay after school for tutoring and clubsโyou are the fabric of this school.โ
He addressed a broader educational conversation with clarity. โThis is a national chapter. The bar is high, and you met it. You didnโt just work in your strengths -- you worked in your weaknesses. Thatโs commitment.โ
Noting that this yearโs induction nearly doubled the chapterโs size, Mastriano praised the scholars for elevating the entire school community. He also honored parents: โThere are late nights, dinners on the run, practices, uniforms, laundryโthe grind of everyday life. Thank you. Their success is your success.โ
Board President Dr. Berghammer: โLet Them Fly Like Eagles.โ
Board President Dr. Marlene Berghammer delivered one of the morningโs most heartfelt and visionary messages. โYou are here not because of how you look, but because of who you are withinโyour commitment to education, to respecting one another, to helping each other,โ she said.
Turning to families, she emphasized the importance of planning intentionally for studentsโ futures. โIf you begin preparing now, by the time your child turns 18, you can have substantial resources for their education,โ she urged. โDonโt let them be weighed down by unnecessary loans. Let them fly like eagles.โ
To students, she offered a challenge grounded in belief: โIf you can achieve this at your age, imagine what you will accomplish as adults. Continue this journey.โ
Mayor and Board Member Celebrate Lindenโs Rising Leaders
Mayor Derek Armstead urged students to dream boldly. โThe world is your oyster. The sky is the limit. I am confident Iโll one day see young people like you leading this country and this world.โ
Board Member Brianna Armstead spoke from personal experience, reflecting on her own NJHS induction. โBeing selected is more than an achievementโit reflects the choices you make every day,โ she said. โLooking at you today, I see that same drive and excellence.
A Moment That Shapes Tomorrow
The ceremony concluded with the traditional pledge, symbolizing each studentโs commitment to uphold the values of the National Junior Honor Society.
As the new inductees crossed the stage, shook hands, and received their certificates, the room was filled with pride, not only for what the students have accomplished, but for the futures they are building.
Their mentors spoke into their potential. Their families cheered their resilience. Their community affirmed their dreams.
