NJHS Pillars of ExcellenceCommunity Leaders Inspire the Next Generation

By CIS PR Leyva NJHS Secretaries Mia Estrada and Magdaline Warren

Students at Carlsbad Intermediate School PR Leyva were treated to an exceptional day of inspiration and guidance as distinguished community leaders gathered to illuminate the five pillars of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS).

The Leadership Workshop, spearheaded by NJHS president Ariana Patel and supported by Ekta Bhakta, brought together experts who shared their wisdom on scholarship, citizenship, service, character, and leadership.

Scholarship: The Foundation of Growth

Dr. Kevin Beardmore, President of Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC), captivated students with his interactive presentation on scholarship, demonstrating how academic excellence extends far beyond the classroom. “Scholarship requires effort and helps everyone develop essential life skills,” Dr. Beardmore explained. Through an engaging team-building activity, he challenged students to improve their communication and problem-solving abilities, highlighting how different perspectives and mindsets contribute to scholarly achievement.

Citizenship: Making a Difference Where You Stand

New Mexico State Representative Cathrynn Brown delivered a compelling address on citizenship, emphasizing determination regardless of circumstances. “A great citizen makes their community better,” Rep. Brown said, outlining practical ways students can embody good citizenship: staying connected with their community, being responsible, caring for the environment, and being good neighbors. Her message reinforced how responsible civic engagement strengthens the fabric of society.

Service: The Heart of Community

Crystal Montoya, president of the Assistance League of Carlsbad, spoke passionately about service—a cornerstone requirement for NJHS members, who must complete at least 25 hours annually. “It does not cost us anything to be kind to someone or to help someone,” Montoya reminded students. She illustrated how Carlsbad offers numerous volunteering opportunities and emphasized how service naturally connects with the other four NJHS pillars, creating a holistic approach to community involvement.

Character: The Essence of Individuality

Alana Gregory Carreon, Executive Director of the Faith, Hope, and Love Foundation, delivered an insightful presentation on character, comparing each person to “their own cookie with different ingredients.” She emphasized the importance of personality traits, including passion, accountability, kindness, loyalty, and respect. Carreon encouraged middle schoolers to surround themselves with peers who not only offer support but also hold them accountable, allowing for relationships that help develop trustworthiness, reliability, honesty, and effective communication skills.

Leadership: Guiding Self and Others

The day concluded with Dr. Missi Currier’s motivational talk on leadership.

Dr. Currier is the President and CEO of the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association (NMOGA). She defined leadership as both a collaborative effort and self-direction. “Being a leader allows you to find a way to adapt while also finding like-minded people. Every leader brings different skills and qualities to benefit the group,” Dr. Currier said. She encouraged students to embrace leadership opportunities, large and small—from guiding group projects to simply asking a classmate to respect classroom rules.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

PR Leyva NJHS Advisor, Julia Reynolds, expressed profound gratitude to the speakers for investing their time and wisdom into the next generation. “They’re not just speaking to us about our five pillars,” Reynolds said. “They’re helping us become better scholars, better citizens, and better service helpers, developing our character and shaping our leadership skills.”

As these community leaders continue to mold and inspire Carlsbad’s youth, the NJHS initiative stands as a testament to the power of mentorship and community involvement in developing well-rounded young citizens prepared to lead our future.

A special thank you to Dr. Beardmore (SENMC) for providing lunch for all 72 NJHS members and to Dr. Missi Currier (NMOGA) for providing each member with Sean Covey’s book “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens”.