Seventh and Eighth Grade Students Recognized for Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship
Reading, MA – Austin Preparatory School proudly announces the induction of new members into its Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS).
Membership in the National Junior Honor Society is not an award for a single achievement or moment. It is recognition of a consistent pattern of choices made day after day. These students have demonstrated a commitment to the five pillars of NJHS: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship.
Speaking on Scholarship, Naira Minassian ’31 reflected that true learning is “not measured just by a letter grade, but by curiosity and courage, and what we choose to do with all we learn.” Through her fable of a land of doors, she encouraged her peers to ask bold questions and expand their boundaries, noting that “grades may open doors, but scholarship opens minds, and open minds change the world.”
George Minogue ’31, speaking on Leadership, shared the story of his cousin Jack, a Paralympic athlete whose perseverance following a life altering injury exemplifies putting the team before oneself. “Through his journey,” George said, “Jack has taught me that even life’s hardest challenges can lead to purpose and an opportunity for greatness and success.”
The remaining pillars were highlighted through reflections on Service, Character, and Citizenship. Charlotte Aldrich ’31 described Service as something deeper than required hours, recalling how time spent with residents at a senior living center transformed service from something she “had to do” into something she “wanted to do.” Finn Bakunas ’31 emphasized that Character is defined by action, urging peers to live out the Golden Rule and “be the light in the world that is not afraid to shine.” Suvir Harjani ’30, speaking on Citizenship, reminded students that “our actions matter, not just for ourselves, but for others as well,” noting that even small, everyday choices create a ripple effect across a community.
Austin Preparatory School congratulates the following students on their induction into the National Junior Honor Society.
Class of 2030
Dulin, Ella (Andover)
Harjani, Suvir (Andover)
Seefeldt, Jack (Andover)
Hughson, Avery (Charlestown)
Doucette, Sophia (North Andover)
Mishra, Aarush (North Andover)
Scott, Sophia (North Reading)
Donohue, Ann (Reading)
Rizzo, Giavanna (Reading)
Class of 2031
Hall, Tyler (Arlington)
Salibian, Catalina (Belmont)
Harrington, Abigail (Boxford)
Regan, Avery (Lynnfield)
Mangan, Cora (Medford)
Veneziano, Sydney (Medford)
Gracilieri, Adelaide (Melrose)
Reed, Emma (Melrose)
Weaver, Joseph (Melrose)
Bakunas, Finn (Middleton)
Ludgin, Finn (North Andover)
Yeghiazarians, Rubi (North Andover)
Aldrich, Charlotte (North Reading)
Deane, Lorelee (Reading)
Donnelly, Eleanor (Reading)
Sgro, Luke (Reading)
Minogue, George (South Hamilton)
LaCarubba, Alexis (Stoneham)
Lowndes, Jackson (Stoneham)
DeSantis, Annina (Wakefield)
Minassian, Naira (Waltham)
Sheikh, Zayaan (Wilmington)
Sullivan, Aiden (Wilmington)
Myers, Moby (Winchester)
Photo attached. Caption:
Students gather in the Chapel of Saint Augustine for Austin Preparatory School’s National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony.
About Austin Preparatory School
Austin Preparatory School, located in Reading, Massachusetts, is an independent Catholic school serving students in grades 6 through 12. Rooted in the Augustinian tradition, the school’s mission is guided by the core values of veritas, unitas, and caritas – truth, unity, and love. Austin Prep is committed to academic excellence, character formation, and preparing students to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and service. For more information, visit austinprep.org.
