Student Leader's Idea Leads To Establishment Of Honors Club In Wyckoff

WYCKOFF, NJ — "Think you have what it takes?" — these words are stamped on the flyer promoting the Wyckoff school district's first and only chapter of the National Junior Honor Society.

Eisenhower Middle School is introducing a chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle school students and to develop well-rounded student leaders.

The idea to start a chapter was raised by seventh-grade student Isabella Van Slooten, who will join with fellow qualifying students under the guidance of teacher advisor Philip DiMichele to launch the new initiative.

"I wanted to bring this club to Eisenhower Middle School because I heard about it from my friends in neighboring towns and thought it would be a great addition to EMS," Van Slooten said, adding that NJHS provides scholarship, develops character and stimulates a desire to serve others.

In order to establish the society, she presented the idea to principal Brian Faehndrich, who asked staff in October if anyone would be willing to oversee this new club/organization.

After speaking with her, advisor DiMichele agreed to get the chapter up and running, he said.

"I thought it was the perfect opportunity as a new teacher myself to the district to step up to the plate," said DiMichele, who is in his first year teaching at EMS.

The EMS chapter of NJHS will work with other clubs and organizations to complete community service projects, and will create its own community service project.

"What this chapter will do for the school," DiMichele said, "is help students to achieve their greatest potential and become true leaders within the school and in the community."

In order to become a member, students will be determined by a faculty council on the basis of four distinctive categories: Scholarship (Minimal 90% in classes or 3.7 GPA out of 4.0) Service (15 hours of community service), leadership (students can hold some type of leadership position and will write about it) and character (where they will get two letters of recommendation from teachers or other adults who know the student).

"We believe students at EMS have already exemplified these characteristics and will continue to be members of the community through their service," DiMichele added.

A first interest meeting for the club is set for Oct. 26, where DiMichele will go over the requirements.

"I have received a lot of positive feedback and interest among my peers," Van Slooten said. "I am looking forward to a great year."