Twenty-two eighth-graders from Copiague Middle School were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society during a ceremony held in the school’s auditorium on Oct. 25.

In order to be eligible for the National Junior Honor Society, students must maintain a cumulative average of 92 or above, be involved in community service/volunteer activities, have faculty recommendations and write an essay along with their application. 

National Junior Honor Society advisers Francesa Walker and Paul Harvey welcomed students and their families to the induction. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon praised the students on their achievements. “This is a tremendous accomplishment,” she said. “The academic path you have set for yourselves has set you up to be highly successful.”

Members spoke about the four pillars of the National Junior High School – leadership, service, character and scholarship – before lighting a candle to symbolize each characteristic. Guest speaker and Copiague Middle School choral director Kaitlin Schneekloth offered words of advice for the newest members of the society.

Principal Andrew Lagnado presented certificates to each inductee before they recited the National Junior High School pledge. The district congratulates the following inductees: Amarelys Aguilera; Jacqueline Balzano; Arda Bilbay; Roman Burrus; Jakub Dobrowolski-Kosoir; Joseph Falco Jr.; Katelyn Gonzalez; Sophia Gonzalez; Johnell Hankerson II; Keilyn Hernandez-Bonilla; Adriana Jimenez-Bonilla; Tierra Jones; Gwendolyn Neger; Valeria Padilla; Sahil Parikh; Devonie Rhoden; Cathrine Sakin; Michelle Seizeme; Deep Shah; Kuba Szulejko; Klara Thelusma and Natalie Unger.