2025 NJHS and NJAHS Induction Ceremony

The National Junior Honor Society and National Junior Art Honor Society have been growing in numbers here at Shughart Middle School since its initial inception in 2011. The NJHS chapter at Shughart Middle School is a service and academic club based on the four cornerstones of character, scholarship, leadership, and service. Students are selected for the club based on their academic achievements and contributions to the school and community. NJAHS celebrates those students who excel in visual arts and academics. They too participate in community service projects for both schools and the surrounding community. 

This is the first year where the two organizations participated in a combined induction ceremony. Careful planning went into this ceremony on the behalf of the NJAHS coordinator, Ms. Bradford. This unique event celebrated the diverse talents and achievements of students who have excelled not only in academics, leadership, service, and character, but also in creativity, artistic expression, and personal growth. By uniting these two prestigious organizations, the ceremony honored the well-rounded excellence of students who embody both intellectual rigor and imaginative vision. The distinct missions of NJHS and NJAHS were culminated in a ceremony that not only recognized past accomplishments but also encouraged students to continue growing as leaders, creators, and compassionate citizens.

Led by Dr. Brenda Johnson, the NJHS inducted 28 new members this year, to add to the current fourteen members. In the past three years, there has been at least 20 or more members inducted from grades 6-8 each year. There has been an emphasis stressed on maintaining academic excellence and doing community service this year. This past Thanksgiving, NJHS went to the food bank in Raleigh and assisted with packaging food for families in the community. NJHS also volunteers for all of the field days for the elementary schools in the Linden Oaks community.  

NJAHS was chartered here in the 2022-2023 school year, led by our Visual Arts and Ceramics teacher, Ms. Bradford.  This year, there were seven new inductees. Similar to NJHS, students are selected to be a part of the NJAHS depending on their academic merits in both general education courses and in art classes. These students also are required to volunteer community service hours to their school, and to other schools around the community, as well as to any local events where they can assist with. 

A powerful symbol introduced during the ceremony was the addition of a black candle—representing the Randall David Shughart Legacy. "This candle holds deep significance", Ms. Bradford explained. "In color theory, black is the absorption of all colors, symbolizing unity and the transformative power of collective effort. It also honors the legacy of Randall David Shughart and the values of loyalty, respect, service, honor, and integrity that he exemplified." The black candle serves as a reminder to students of the strength found in unity and the importance of nurturing every aspect of their development—academically, artistically, and personally.