At a ceremony held in the school district's auditorium, seven eighth grade students were inducted as new members of Tamaqua Middle School's Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society.

Members were selected by the chapter's Faculty Council for meeting high standards of scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.Joann Butkus, who served as NJHS president last year, participated in the traditional candle lighting ceremony. Mrs. Maura Streisel, the chapter advisor, presented each member with a certificate, and Mr. Christopher Czapla, the middle school principal, presented congratulatory remarks."We are very proud to recognize these outstanding members of our student body. National Junior Honor Society members are chosen for and then expected to continue their exemplary contributions to the school and community," said Mrs. Streisel.This was the middle school's fourth induction of members into the National Junior Honor Society, an organization that has over six thousand chapters nationwide.Throughout the year, the chapter members will participate in both group and individual service projects for the school and the community.Membership requirements are determined by the criteria of scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.Student academic records at the end of the school's second marking period determine candidacy. Students who have a cumulative average of 90 or above and a satisfactory school discipline record are notified by the advisor of eligibility. They must then document at least five service hours and obtain a letter of recommendation.Current seventh grade students will become eligible for membership consideration at the conclusion of the first semester. A spring induction ceremony will be planned to welcome these new members.The National Junior Honor Society ranks as one of the oldest and most prestigious national organizations for students. Since 1929, millions of students have been selected for membership. NJHS is sponsored nationally by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).