Union Springs Middle School recently held its 2025-2026 National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Frontenac Chapter Induction Ceremony, welcoming a new class of student leaders who exemplify scholarship, leadership, service and character.

Seventeen students were officially inducted into the NJHS during a formal ceremony that highlighted the society’s core values and the importance of academic excellence and community service. The event also featured guidance and support from the 2024-2025 NJHS members, who helped facilitate the ceremony and escorted the new inductees to the stage.

Newly inducted 2025-2026 members are: Aiden Boulerice, Layla Brooks, Gianna Cassavaugh, Owen Chalupnicki, Brayden Coomber, Elliott Fleury, Samuel Intres, Kinsley Loveless, Adrian Mennerich, Orrin Merizzi, Samantha Miller, Naomi Schell, Claire Schenck, Carmen Scobee, Lucas Smith, Greta Staehr and Isabella VanHouten.

The ceremony featured a formal program led by NJHS President Grace Baliva, including the Pledge to the Flag, a welcome from Principal Ms. Haldeman, and an explanation of the selection criteria presented by 2024-2025 members Isabella Church and Giuliana Pedley. Mrs. Coppola, NJHS Co-Advisor, guided the event, which also included the symbolic Lighting of the Candles honoring NJHS pillars:

• Service (Red Candle) – Addison Warren
• Scholarship (Green Candle) – Natalie Zirbel
• Leadership (Blue Candle) – Emelia Gonzalez
• Character (White Candle) – Lalena Anderson

The ceremony concluded with the Tapping Ceremony, presentation of certificates by Ms. Haldeman, Mrs. Coppola, and Mrs. Hoadley, and the recitation of the Junior Honor Society Pledge led by Mrs. Hoadley.

Principal Ms. Haldeman shared, “We are proud to welcome these outstanding students into the NJHS. Their dedication to leadership, service and character is inspiring, and we know they will continue to make a positive impact on our school and community.”