CAMDEN, NY - 23 eighth grade students at Camden Middle School formally received the honor of induction into the National Junior Honor Society on Thursday, March 5th. As family and friends looked on, the Camden Middle School chapter celebrated its distinguished 2025-26 members in a formal induction ceremony held in the Camden Middle School auditorium.
Membership into the society is a significant achievement for a middle school student. Every inductee needed to meet the requirement of a 92 percent overall average at the beginning of eighth grade. In addition, there was a wider selection process that brought into consideration a student’s character and involvement in activities. There was a written application, an essay requirement that challenged applicants to expand on the ideals of the National Junior Honor Society, and all applicants were subject to a final approval by a faculty committee.
The evening featured the introduction of new members, which featured a brief biography for each student that added a personal touch to the evening. The evening also featured the traditional candle ceremony signifying the NJHS values of Leadership, Scholarship, Character and Service, and the presentation of the NJHS emblem. Principal Brittany DerCola gave the keynote address.
Members of Camden Middle School's instrumental ensembles, under the direction of Jennifer Chase and Joseph Perrotta, performed pieces for the prelude, processional, and recessional.
The society conducts a variety of service activities throughout the academic year that elevate the school community, and provide a meaningful and enriching experience for members. Most recently, the chapter has been visiting Camden Elementary School to conduct small group read-alongs throughout the building, promoting literacy and positive character development to their impressionable younger peers. They also hope to build bridges with older generations through a pen pal project.
Congratulations to the following new members!
Noah Axtell
Payton Barbato
Liam Bates
Kasch Coonrod
Layla Cruz
Katherine Dean
Natalie Gonzalez
Savannah Grass
Jace Hanifin
Riley Hebble
Allison Kuc
Natalie Lynch
Taylor Mitchell
Owen Morrison
Naiara Nottingham
David Patrick
Madison Prusinowski
Lauren Skinner
Baron Swancott
Cody Terrier
Aeris VanRiper
Madison Waterman
Trace Young
