LYNN — Breed Middle School welcomed 50 new additions to the Spanish National Junior Honor Society (SNJHS) during the induction ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.
School Principal Julie Louf was the first to speak, where she welcomed the crowd and expressed her excitement for celebrating the achievement of her students.
“This is one of my fav events and I’m thrilled to be here, thank you to Mrs. Rowe and Mrs. Martinez, our wonderful advisors… these students before you tonight are some of the most hard-working, respectful, and kind young people,” Louf said.
Louf thanked the parents for attending the ceremony. “Your support is truly appreciated. The members inducted tonight, also known as our ‘Big Brothers’ and ‘Big Sisters,’ have fostered a supportive learning environment for their little brothers and sisters in the program throughout the school year… Providing language assistance, but more importantly, friendship,” Louf added.
She added that “I hope you uphold these strong values of family, community and connection as you continue your leadership journeys in the future. Congratulations to all of you.”
Advisor of the SNJHS Magalie Rowe, was the next to speak. She talked about the impact the new inductees have made on their community.
“Every Tuesday, we get together and the kids from SNJHS do community service, helping and supporting kids who are learning English,” Rowe said. “The other part is community service… The kids love to go to My Brother’s Table and serve those in need. Sometimes, we serve more than 1,000 meals toward the end of the month.”
The students lined up on the stage in the auditorium, where they began the ritual of lighting their candles and passing along the flame to the person standing next to them. The original flame came from the “mother candle,” which is used during the ritual each year, representing the spirit of inspiration.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Full Color CEO and First Latino City Councilor Obed Matul.
“I want to thank John Thibault, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, and I want everyone to understand that the opportunities they have,” Matul said. “They’re opportunities that our parents didn’t have. … I was eight when my parents brought me over, my dad worked 2 jobs, my mom worked overnight — I know the struggles our families went through, and you’ll take that and learn from it.”
Thibault then commented on how the students have continued to make the city proud through service and academic excellence.
“I know it takes a lot of work to get here, congratulations to you and your families for supporting you. You make the city proud and we’re very grateful for all that you do for us, so thank you,” he said.
Rowe and Aura Martinez, advisor of the Big Brother and Big Sister program presented the members of the society.
The initiation ritual was done by SNJHS President Katherine De Leon and Officers Samickhya Kami and Xavier Hernandez.
The 50 students inducted into the society are as follows: Katherine De Leon, Samikcha Kami, Xavier Hernandez, Any De Leon Matul, Jackelin Chavez Gomez, Lilianna Gomez Santos, Luke Hannabury, Ethan Mensah, Jason Nyugen, Jay Patel, Nathaly Martinez Melgar, Esther Macario-Matul, Arelice Ozuna, Jeremias Velaquez, Nirotyaya Mayukh, Mahde Mohammed, Veyron Montoya, Mizahai Rodriguez, Lourdes Toc Soc, Migcel Blanco, Illiana Mejia Tejada, Levi Flores Flores.
Also Mac Gregory Nunez, Vanessa Lara Palma, Arianna De Leon Sandoval, Anyely Velasquez, Farwa Attiyab, Gianni Miranda, Yoslin Meono Ramirez, Maydi Perez Esteban, Angie Solis, Kimberly Chavez, Silvia Gonzalez, Estela Juarez, Humberto Narvaez, Jency Ramos, Daylin Esteban, Leydi Juarez, Nathaly Maldonado, Sharolyn Marmolejos, Angel Ixlaj, Jimena De Leon, and Kimberly Chavez.
