NHS and NJHS Induction Ceremony 2026

On January 16th, 2026, the Academy hosted its NHS and NJHS induction ceremony in the gym. Members were in formal wear as they received their certificates of membership while family and friends cheered them on from within the audience. For the NHS ceremony, the event started with a Quran recitation by Sophomore Zaid Elsiesy, then a quick translation by Sophomore Afshan Ahmed. This was followed by an introduction to NHS, and then the actual induction ceremony by Ms. Shamsa Ashraf and Ms. Einas Alabd.

Prior to the day of the ceremony, NHS and NJHS eligible students were sent emails congratulating them on meeting the standards required for entry to their respective organizations. Students in 10th-12th grade are eligible for NHS, while students in 7th-9th grade are eligible for NJHS. Not every student within the given grade range is eligible for entry to these organizations, however. Students must have a numeric average of 90 or more from the previous year in order to qualify for both NHS and NJHS. Furthermore, once they are inducted, NHS members are required to complete 20 additional volunteer hours per year, and NJHS members are required to complete 15 additional hours per year. It should be noted that these hours are separate from those required by BHA for graduation.

Joining NHS or NJHS can provide students with the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers who share a passion for excellence. This is mainly because these organizations recognize and celebrate students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

In addition, NHS and NJHS look for student leaders who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with others. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, these organizations look for students of good character, demonstrating high standards of honesty and reliability, showing courtesy, concern, and respect for others.

Indeed character is quite often the most emphasized characteristic of organizations such as NHS and NJHS. As Ms. Shamsa Ashraf mentioned while describing NHS and commending the students present at the NHS induction ceremony, “NHS is not just about grades. It reflects a commitment to integrity, responsibility, and giving back to the community.”

Ultimately, it should be acknowledged that NHS and NJHS are not just honors to list, but opportunities to grow as leaders and serve our school and wider community. By maintaining a strong academic record and volunteering their time for the betterment of the community, members not only build character, but also make a tangible difference around them. There are countless non-profits and charity organizations that are frequently in need of volunteers and help. Many parents and adults are often too busy with their work and families to take out significant time to volunteer. Thus, this responsibility often finds itself in the hands of young adults, teenagers, and more importantly, students.

Towards the end of the induction ceremony for both NHS and NHJS, members took an oath in which they pledged to not just maintain “high scholastic standing”, but also to “endeavor intelligently and courageously to be a leader.”

As the evening came to an end, members gathered to take a picture together before leaving for the night, no longer simply as students, but as leaders.