Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: The Inspiring Journey of NJHS Under Sheri Garnet's Guidance
By Vedang Upadhyay, BEAT reporter
BRUNSWICK, OH- There is a new manager of Brunswick Middle School’s (BMS) National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). She is a wonderful manager who helps all in a kind way. She wants students to be involved in the community and be role models to other students and the Community. Her name is Sheri Garnet. The reason Garnet became the new manager of NJHS was to give students a place to feel safe and to challenge themselves. She wanted to help students build scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character so that later they could help the community as role models both out of the school and within the school.
As of now, BMS NJHS is a national chartered organization. They have over 50 current members in their chapter, and have already gotten many service hours. Members of NJHS have even begun planning the induction ceremony to be held in the Spring, where new members are inducted into NJHS. To be inducted, they fill out an application explaining three fundraisers or other ways they helped their community and two paragraphs of why they are interested in NJHS. NJHS members must maintain a grade average of 3.75 or above after being inducted.
Garnet first considered the idea of co-advising the program at the beginning of the school year, when she was informed that the advising position was available. She was very motivated to be an advisor, helping students discover their own leadership potential. Garnet said, “It’s an opportunity to guide young people as they learn what it means to serve their community, uphold strong character, and strive for excellence.”
Sarah Kundmueller and Garnet are co-advisors of NJHS. They work side by side in all decision-making and responsibilities. They meet regularly between member meetings to plan, coordinate, and schedule NJHS activities. One activity that they have done is Christmas cards for others in the community, and they will be doing many more in the future.
Kundmueller and Garnet have faced many challenges, such as learning the expectations of NJHS, understanding service projects, and ensuring BMS NJHS is a chartered national member. Kundmueller and Garnet have also faced many positive aspects, including working with talented students and helping guide them to their highest potential in leadership.
Garnet gives some advice for students, including choosing service projects that matter to you so you want to do it, not like you're forced to do it. Garnet said, “When you genuinely care, your impact is bigger—and so is your sense of fulfillment. Remember that even small acts of service can change someone’s day.” She also mentions that leadership is best shown through actions, such as determination, kindness, and bravery.
BMS NJHS is a great opportunity for anyone attending BMS; students explore the world of leadership and giving back to a supportive community.
Vedang Upadhyay, Brunswick Middle School, is one of over fifty student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program, celebrating its 25th year, is sponsored by Donut Land, Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, MODA Gifting, Scripps Howard Foundation and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to https://www.bcsoh.org/community/new-beat-site to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com/?folder=ALL to view videos produced by the students.
PHOTOS: Members of NJHS; (L-R) Kundmueller (co-advisor) and Garnet.