NJHS: Building a Better Community, One Paw at a Time

Written by Cielo Martinez, Anelise Sanchez, Azul pacheco

At Bowie Middle School, we have an amazing program: NJHS (National Junior Honor Society). This club is about helping the environment and people in need. Right now, they’re working hard on an animal shelter drive, and their efforts are already making an impact.

During our interview, NJHS President Marisol Ventura explained what the program means to her. “NJHS helps build our community up by doing community service and having fundraisers to help our community,” she said. One of those fundraisers is the animal shelter drive, where students are collecting items like dog and cat food, blankets, toys, and grooming supplies. “I feel very happy that they are doing an animal shelter event. Every little thing makes an impact and helps the animals,” added Vice President Kimberly Govea.

“I enjoy NJHS because I think helping the community is very pleasing, and I’m glad I can leave an impact,”

Marisol Ventura

Running NJHS is a lot of work, and Marisol is proud to take on the responsibility. “I think my role as the president is a big help in NJHS by making me have the voice of the people in the school and by keeping everyone caught up,” she said. “I feel honored and am glad I got selected to be a part of this society.”

But Marisol doesn’t do it alone. Kimberly works with her to help keep the group running smoothly. “I am very pleased that I got recommended to the club because my role helps bring NJHS together with Marisol Ventura,” she shared. Kimberly also talked about why NJHS is important to her. “I enjoy NJHS because I think helping the community is very pleasing, and I’m glad I can leave an impact,” she said.

One way they’re leaving an impact is by encouraging everyone to donate to the animal shelter drive. They’ve already collected about 120 items, but their goal is to raise 200. Kimberly said, “I feel very happy that they are doing an animal shelter event. Every little thing makes an impact and helps the animals.”

A Community Effort

The animal shelter drive shows how NJHS brings people together—not just in the club but across the whole school. Anyone can participate by donating unopened pet food, treats, leashes, collars, pet beds, or other items to their 3rd-period teacher. To make it more fun, NJHS is offering a pizza party and a week of wearing sweats after Christmas break to the class with the most donations.

“It’s a lot of work,” Marisol admitted, “but seeing how much we’ve done so far makes me really proud.” Kimberly agreed, saying, “Every little thing helps, and it’s nice to know we’re making a difference.”

NJHS is about more than just projects—it’s about the people. Marisol and Kimberly’s leadership, along with the hard work of NJHS members, shows how much students can accomplish when they work together.

“You don’t have to be part of NJHS to give to those in need,” Marisol pointed out. This animal shelter drive is just one example of how NJHS inspires others to help the community.

We were fortunate and pleased to share the story of this amazing program. NJHS shows that even small actions—like donating a bag of treats or a blanket—can make a big difference in the world.