ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Character…Scholarship…Leadership…Service…Citizehship.

These five characteristics are what the 42 new inductees of the National Junior Honor Society at Central Baldwin Middle School are expected to posses and carry out as they represent “the best of the best”.

At their induction ceremony on Friday, February 25, the six 8th graders and 36 seventh graders were recognized for their academic achievement and NJHS Advisor Leslie White welcomed the parents and friends gathered.

“The students present here today have all met or exceeded the requirements for membership in the NJHS. Current members have completed service hours throughout the year, maintained their high grade point averages and have distinguished themselves as leaders, productive citizens and people of service and character,” White said.

After a presentation of the colors by the Robertsdale High School ROTC Color Guard, two former CBMS students, Pete Lewandowski and Sarah Sawyer, gave brief speeches encouraging the students.

“Figure out a plan and accomplish the goals you set for yourself. Make it happen. Have a positive attitude and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t reach your dreams,” Lewandowski said.

Sawyer told the students to “constantly strive to do your very best and don’t be a slacker. Have self-respect and realize success comes in many forms. Stay true to yourself and you will do fine.”

The induction of the new members followed as NJHS president Sarah Weaver lit the NJHS emblem candle “The emblem of the NJHS is the Torch. It symbolizes our purpose of following the light of truth. May it kindle the fire of knowledge in our minds and help us become an inspiration to others who seek truth and character.”

Vice President Allee Bertolla lit the candle of character and explained “without character, one has neither self-respect nor hope to attain the respect of others. Character is achieved, not received and is the product of constant action and daily striving to make the right choice.”

The candle of scholarship was lit by Secretary Kyle Mitchell and the candle of leadership by Treasurer Shawn Tedder who told the students “a leader has self-confidence and goes forward when others hesitate.”

Historian Meghan Hadley lit the candle of service and Parliamentarian Heather Nye lit the Citizenship candle and said “good citizenship requires that we remain strong and vigilant in protecting the freedoms and rights that have been granted to us.”

As each new member was recognized, they were given a ribbon, certificate and membership card and congratulated by CBMS Principal Chuck Anderson.

A reception followed in the cafeteria for new members and their family members with cake and punch.

New eighth grade members include: Gabrielle Chunn, Savannah Dean, Cody Devine, Regis Gvens, Dylan Nelson and Deidra Thames.

New seventh grade members include: Summer Allen, Traci Arnould, Morgan Barron, Katelyn Bonner, Destiny Branch, Sarah Browning, Shelby Browning, Billy Joe Coley, Emily Shea Davis, Anna Devine, Gary Durant, Olivia Finley, Joseph Hadaway, Jacob Irwin, Jordan Johnson, Kayla Jones, Olivia Krob, John Lightsey, Rebekah Lomax, Kaili Lynch, Zachary Mosley, Megan Nordberg, Sophia Nudo, Bayleigh Pierce, Emily Piece, Hope Plato, Kaylin Rayborn, Laura Ryan, Nykeshia Safford, Layton Schoolcraft, Logan Schulze, Jade Smith, Deja Vanetten, Andrew Williams, Victoria Zammarelli and Victoria Zona.