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October 26, 2026

Union Springs Welcomes 21 New Members to the Frontenac Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society

NJHS group photo.

Union Springs Middle School and High School celebrated academic achievement, leadership and service last Thursday evening as 21 students were inducted into the Frontenac Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) for the 2026-27 school year.

The new inductees join 17 returning members of the 2025-26 NJHS class, continuing the chapter’s tradition of recognizing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service and character.

NJHS President Gianna Cassavaugh opened the ceremony with the Pledge to the Flag, followed by a welcome from Middle School Principal Ms. Haldeman. Current members Lucas Smith and Claire Schenck then explained the selection criteria for NJHS membership, highlighting the qualities and accomplishments expected of students who earn this distinction.

NJHS Co-Advisor Mrs. Coppola recognized the many accomplishments of the 2025-26 members, celebrating their dedication and contributions throughout the school year.

A meaningful part of the evening followed with the lighting of four candles, each representing one of the core values of the National Junior Honor Society. Student officers shared reflections on the importance of each pillar:

  • Service: NJHS Treasurer Greta Staehr spoke about service and lit the red candle.

  • Scholarship: NJHS Secretary Carmen Scobee discussed scholarship and lit the green candle.

  • Leadership: NJHS Vice President Samuel Intres spoke about leadership and lit the blue candle.

  • Character: NJHS Historian Naomi Schell reflected on character and lit the white candle.

The ceremony continued with the traditional tapping ceremony. Each new inductee was invited to the stage, escorted by two current NJHS members, to light their own candle as a symbol of their commitment to the values and responsibilities of the organization.

To conclude the evening, NJHS Co-Advisor Mrs. Hoadley led the new members in reciting the Junior Honor Society Pledge, officially welcoming them into the Frontenac Chapter.

Congratulations to the 21 new inductees for the 2026-27 school year:

Lydia Aguilar, Chase Alnutt, Esme Barendt, Joseph Campbell, Kendall Casler, MaKinley Comstock, Nick DeAngelis, Ashton Gonzalez, Olivia Guy, Kal Hansen, Haley Kehoskie, Sophie Keim, Brantley McBride, Ridley Merizzi, Lydia Nolan, Jacob Patterson, Briella Pedley, Owen Squires, Hazel Tones, Nala Wright and Baeleigh Youngman.

Union Springs Central School District congratulates all of this year’s inductees and returning members on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to seeing how these outstanding students continue to demonstrate scholarship, leadership, service and character in our school community and beyond!