Madeline Doyle and Lyla Humphrey, eighth-grade students at Crispell Middle School, have been named recipients of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Outstanding Achievement Award. There are just 500 recipients nationwide. Each will receive $500 scholarships.
Stephen Charchan and Shannon Meland are the advisors for the Crispell National Junior Honor Society. They agreed the process this year was more difficult and more selective than in past years.
“They definitely upped the difficulty level,” said Mr. Charchan. “The application was much harder for the students and the process was earlier than it used to be.”
For example, this year applicants had to choose one of the five pillars of the NJHS and write an in-depth, personal essay on how it has shaped them now and how they see it affecting them in the future. They also had to write extensively about their community service and their leadership accomplishments.
Lyla, a member of the varsity swim team, volunteers with the Pine Bush Aquatic Club at their meets. She runs track and was part of the drama club productions in both sixth and seventh grades. She is a member of student council and an officer with the National Junior Honor Society at Crispell. Lyla helped set up the visitor’s center at Minnewaska State Park.
Madeline is a member of the JV lacrosse team and captains the modified volleyball and basketball teams. She plays club volleyball as well. Madeline started her own book club back in elementary school during COVID which still exists in her middle school. She began a food drive in her neighborhood, and delivers to a local food pantry. Madeline also was chosen for the Junior Leadership Orange program.
Leadership is essential to both Lyla and Madeline, and their wide variety of activities during middle school is beneficial as they head to high school.
“Getting a variety of experiences in middle school is important for students,” said Mr. Charchan. “We want all to have widening experiences.”
In addition to the experiences they have had, their leadership capabilities have blossomed.
“Lyla and Maddy, they are quiet leaders,” said Mr. Charchan. “They are accelerated students, and are involved in sports and activities. They have very supportive families and their teacher recommendations were outstanding.”
Although the process was more demanding than in years past, Ms. Meland noted this experience will be helpful when they are high school seniors applying for scholarships.
“This is good practice,” she said. “There are many local scholarships that require essays. This was great for them to do.”
There are 45 students in the NJHS at Crispell. Mr. Charchan and Ms. Meland went to the team leaders to get their input on who has true commitment to school and character. In the end, they invited 16 students to apply. Thirteen completed the application process.
“I commend the students who applied,” said Mr. Charchan. “It’s a commitment to a lot of work without a definite payoff.”
“It really has been a pleasure working with Madeline and Lyla,” said Ms. Meland. “They are amazing young women who are so deserving of this honor.”