National Junior Honor Society Induction

Justice was inducted into National Junior Honor Society tonight.  He worked very hard to meet this goal, and it's been something he's been actively pursuing since the fifth grade.  He was on pins and needles waiting to hear whether he would meet the requirements or not, and the day he brought home the paper saying he was eligible was a huge day for him.  He was so happy he cried.  

Joe and I are both so happy for him.  This is what he posted on Instagram after we got home.

We brought Jack and his bad little sidekick, Bo.  Tonight was no exception, Bo was bad to the bone.  

He doesn't look impressed, does he?  No, no.  He was not impressed.  

 The choir sang the National Anthem to kick of the program, and it was fantastic.

Fun fact:  All the kids that were inducted into NJHS are also in the choir.  I could use that fact to reason that choir =nerd.  I have awesome math skills, don't I?

One other quick little fact that you probably already picked up on:

He is surrounded by girls.  Lots and lots of girls.  Sigh.

At the beginning of the program, the new inductees each brought a candle out and set it on a table.  I don't quite understand what the symbolism is around all the candles, but they were used throughout the program.

There were a few speakers, to include 8th graders and faculty.  I have to tell you that I was impressed by the speeches written by the 8th graders.  These kids are smart.  That ought to be a Captain Obvious thing to notice, but I was impressed by not only the content of the speeches they prepared, but they also articulated themselves very well.  

After the speeches, each new inductee was called up and given a certificate and some other stuff.

The new inductees recited the NJHS Oath:

"I pledge myself to uphold the high purposes of the National Junior Honor Society.  I will be true to the principles for which it stands.  I will be loyal to my school and I will maintain and encourage high standards of the following ideals:  Scholarship, leadership, service and character."

Did you notice Justice is the only kid in a suit?  I like that he doesn't try to fit in with everyone else.  He was told to wear at a MINIMUM, khakis and a dress shirt.  Understandably, most kids in this area do not own a suit.  Justice owns three, and he would wear one to school a couple of days a week if I'd let him.  He loves ties, too.  Really loves ties.  So, if there is an occasion to dress up, he's wearing the suit every time.

He's also a little short.  We keep hoping for a growth spurt, but it certainly hasn't happened yet.

He's still cute though, short or not.

Yep, cute here too.  I really just can't get enough of those freckles.  He hates them, as I remember hating mine when I was his age.  But they are pretty cute, and he's got hundreds of them, from head to toe.  He even has them all over his hands.

There was a reception right after the program.  Jack was dying for punch and he kept looking over at the table during the program.  The second the program was over, he bolted for the punch table.  He downed one and helped himself to another.  You can see the shame on his face, LOL.  Oh Jack.  

 

After the reception, we took Justice out for dinner.  Of course he picked Mexican food, and we headed off to the place where most of his friends were going.

Bo had some salsa.  He literally licked the bowl clean.  He loves salsa.  LOVES it.  

It wasn't long after we got there the kids all drifted to their own table.  Do you notice something about this picture?  So many girls.  They all say "Hiiiiii Justice!!!!" in that evil sirens-of-the-sea sing-song voice that girls have when they are flirting with boys.  You know, the voice that eventually sucks them in and paralyzes the good-sense part of their brains.  Thankfully he is still oblivious to all of that nonsense, but it won't be much longer I'm sure.  These girls are polite, nerdy and very sweet.  But they are still girls, so I keep a surly eye on them at all times.  

What a great night.  Joe and I are hoping and praying he stays on this path and continues to do good things.  We have had our share of struggles with the older kids, so it's nice to be able to enjoy some positive things for a change.  

Congratulations Justice, we are so happy for you!!