🎓✨ AROUND HOPEWELL: Excellence Recognized – NJHS Induction Ceremony Welcomes New Class ✨🎓

Published March 20, 2026

By Carl Santamaria

While sports remain the foundation this platform was built on, the mission of Hopewell Sports Nation has always extended well beyond the playing field. One of the strongest pillars we continue to highlight is the academic excellence displayed by our students. Education comes first, and it remains a key component in HSN’s annual scholarship—aligning directly with the core values of the National Junior Honor Society: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship.

On Thursday, March 19th, 2026, the Hopewell National Junior Honor Society hosted its annual Induction Ceremony at the Hopewell Memorial Junior High School Gymnasium. The event brought together families, faculty, and students to celebrate a group of young individuals who are setting the standard for what it means to represent Hopewell both inside and outside the classroom.

The ceremony once again showcased what makes this community special—dedication, discipline, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

👏 Recognizing Those Who Make It Possible

None of these achievements happen without the daily commitment of the Hopewell Area School District’s teachers and staff. Their impact reaches far beyond academics, helping shape leaders within the community.

NJHS Chapter Adviser:

Mrs. Nicole Ralston

Mrs. Nikki Rodgers

🌟 2025–2026 NJHS Inductees

This year’s inductees represent a wide range of talents, activities, and future potential. Below is the official list from the 2026 ceremony:

New Members Include:

Kendall Bain

Lily Cain

Elizabeth Dietz

Kaitlin Eaton

Rebecca Emery

Briceal Franz

Norah Halliko

Anthony Jesso

Jackson Kramer

Gabriella LaSala

Ariana Maloney

Madison Morley

Jacelyn Muller

Gavin Ormsby

Grace Pindilli

Kaleah Potter

Cora Quinn

Madison Santamaria

Giorgos Spiropoulos

Leilani Tabib Rodriguez

Eligia Vallecorsa

Colden Weite

Callie Sadler

Aubrey Shannon

Julian Swenson

Addison Unger

Violet Weber

Neveah Williams

Rasil Almutairi

Mackenzie Bellomo

Sofia Cronin

Trey Dushac

Maura Egenlauf

Wade Enders

Austin Gallagher

Rose Honess

Aryana Kolenda

Caroline Krawczynski

Joshua Liptak

Kendall Miller

Paul Moskes

Savi Ncophyton

Colton Patrick

Emma Pinto

🔁 Building on Last Year’s Momentum

A year ago, Hopewell celebrated what was then the largest NJHS induction class in school history, welcoming 39 new members into the program. That group set the tone—not just with their academic success, but with how they carried themselves in the classroom, in extracurriculars, and throughout the community.

Fast forward to today, the Hopewell Junior High has topped those numbers once again posting the largest class of NJHS members to date with 44 new members. Many of those same students are now the leaders of this organization, serving in officer roles and continuing to embody the very pillars they were inducted under.

Returning/Current NJHS Members Recognized (2025–2026):

Rihanna Arthur – President

Sophie Burgess – Vice President

Stella Sannan – Recording Secretary

Ellia Markivich – Social Secretary

Alivia Bentz

Leah Buettner

Hannah Buettner

Lily Beron

Charles Kelly

Allie Bruce

Afton Budris

Emma Goodrum

Claire Newberry

Sebastian Short

Alice Taylor

Grant Olson

Tyler Hoffman

Samantha Holsinger

Jack Bulebush

Lillian Chalmers

Emmerson Faulkner

John George

Gabriel Gold

Enzo Leopardi

Samantha Miller

Braddock Nelson

Presley Penberthy

Abbey Przybysz

Maegan Przybysz

Connor Reed

Mason Santamaria

G’lianna Wilcox

Brooke Otto

💬 Final Thoughts

Hopewell may be a small town, but nights like this are a reminder that the talent, work ethic, and character within this community are anything but small. These students are building a foundation that will carry them far beyond junior high—and Hopewell Sports Nation looks forward to continuing to follow their journey.

To all inductees and returning members—congratulations on an incredible accomplishment.