BRIGHTON — By accepting induction into the National Junior Honor Society, 51 Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School students on May 25 pledged to give unsparingly of their time and energy toward the promotion of all school activities, strive to be model students, never bring reproach upon their school and uphold the high purpose of the NJHS by making its ideals their own.

Founded in 1929, the NJHS recognizes and honors students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship and challenges them to further develop their involvement in school activities and community service.

The exemplary students recited the NJHS Pledge before family and teachers prior to receiving their pins, plaques and certificates from Principal Brian Greseth. “These students are smart because they practice, work hard and study for tests,” he said. “Parents, aunts and uncles; you have instilled a sense of pride in academics and it shows.”

Greseth announced the PECS scores in the 2016 Florida Standards Assessment, which showed 65 percent of third graders scored at level three or higher. In the other schools in the Heartland Educational Consortium- consisting of schools in DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands and Okeechobee counties- only 54 percent scored as high.

“We are extremely proud of our academics and this goes to show hard work does pay off,” Greseth said. “Please keep up the good work.”

Emcee Kamani Smith, who has earned NJHS membership for five years, had help onstage from fellow NJHS students Jenna Brown, Luzana Venzor, Kaleb Doctor and Edward Gaucin who made sure each student received the correct awards. Guidance counselor Jennine Gran gave each inductee encouragement as they waited in the wings for their moment of honor.

After the ceremony, families converged for hugs and photos. Joanne Osceola attended the ceremony to support three of her grandchildren – Janaya, Shaela and Keira French – who recently moved to Brighton from Ohio and transitioned successfully to their new school.

“I’m so proud of them,” she said.