Interview with four National Junior Honor Society Members
Ms. Lemons, the School Librarian, sat down with four NJHS members who also happen to serve as Library Aides at the Brandenburg Library. Leviah, Mikayla, Soraya, and Victoria each shared about their volunteering experiences and reflections on the meaning of community service.
All of the NJHS members at Brandenburg are making a significant impact through their dedication to community service, both locally and globally. With a requirement of 50 or more service hours per year, these students are going above and beyond to serve schools throughout their community and support causes around the world.
Serving the global community
NJHS members have embraced opportunities to make a difference on an international scale. In November, students participated in Running for Clean Water, a fundraiser where people donated money and walked a marathon-style route to raise funds for clean drinking water in Sierra Leone.
Many students also volunteered at Feed My Starving Children, packing food for children in Africa. Leviah worked at a station weighing bags to ensure proper portions. "I was in charge of seeing how much food the bag gets in because some foods must have a certain amount," she explained. Soraya also participated in this project and found it deeply rewarding, sharing that knowing she was helping people encouraged her to continue serving.
Mikayla participated in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation walk, a 5K in Dallas. "It was hot, but it was really fun. I got to walk with my friends and we got to donate money and there was a lot of other food vendors there and like vendors for CFF," she recalled.
Supporting local elementary schools
Beyond global initiatives, NJHS students have become a vital presence in elementary schools throughout the community, bringing their time and talents to support younger students and school events.
Leviah has been volunteering regularly at Watson Technology Elementary, her former school. She recently helped with "PJ's with the Principal," assisting with event setup and managing the Santa Shop by directing traffic for the cashiers.
Victoria cooked and served pancakes at Herfurth Elementary's Pancakes with Santa event, where she enjoyed seeing former teachers and friends. She also returned to Vial Elementary to help decorate hallways with a Halloween theme, putting up spider webs and decorations for the students.
Soraya has found a home at Back Elementary, where she's volunteered three times already this year. She's helped at a movie night by handing out food and assisted with setting up various events. She notes that returning to the same school has made the experience even more meaningful. "Since they know you a little bit more, it's a happier environment and you get to know the place," she shared.
In addition, Soraya volunteered at gymnastics meets, inputting scores for display on the screen throughout the entire competition. This gave her the opportunity to support her sister, who was competing.
The heart behind the service
For these students, service is about more than just fulfilling requirements—it's about the joy of helping others.
As Mikayla beautifully expressed: "So community service matters like a lot to me because even though you're not getting paid to do it, it's still the feeling of helping someone or multiple people at once and it just makes me feel like warm and bubbly inside!"
Soraya echoed this sentiment, noting, "I think community service is important because it lets you connect with other people."
Through their diverse service projects—from international humanitarian efforts to supporting local schools in GISD—these NJHS students are exemplifying the values of service, leadership, and community engagement. Their dedication to making a difference, both near and far, is truly inspiring.