Olympia Christian School (OCS) launched a chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) in April. In launching the chapter, the school inducted its first two students: eighth-grader Aldercy Ramirez-Diaz and seventh-grader Isaac Roy.
The National Junior Honor Society encourages junior high students to grow in five areas: scholarship, leadership, character, service and citizenship. This organization was formed in 1929 to encourage junior high students to promote scholarship and character development and to pursue membership in the senior organization, National Honor Society, which was founded in 1921 for high school students.
An advisory board from OCS determines membership and oversees the program to ensure adherence to the high academic and character standards and community involvement, says Sharron Schwartz, OCS principal. The OCS chapter requires a 3.5 GPA for two consecutive quarters, good behavior and participation in community service projects to qualify. Charlotte Hayes serves as the NJHS advisor for the school.
During the induction ceremony, OCS students lit five candles, recited the NJHS pledge, and received a yellow rose (NJHS flower), a certificate and a NJHS pin. Honor students receive a quarterly lunch outing and take the lead in OCS activities, school promotion and community service projects.