Reston, VA—The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is excited to recognize 500 NJHS students with the Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA), which grants $500 to each recipient in a college savings account. The NJHS OAA is supported by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

The OAA program celebrates 500 of the highest-achieving middle level students who exhibit extraordinary leadership by helping them jump-start their quest toward higher education. NASSP reviews completed applications with assistance from a national panel of education experts. The pillars of the NJHS—scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship—are the selection criteria for reviewing applications. The scholarship application provides applicants an opportunity to share their demonstration of the pillars as well as their commitment to the values of NJHS. The college savings account program is managed by Ascensus as part of the New Mexico Education Trust Board’s 529 college savings plan: The Education Plan.

“We’re excited to support middle level students in reaching their higher-education goals,” said NASSP Student Leadership Director Nara Lee. “These outstanding middle level student members of the National Junior Honor Society are investing their time, talent, and love of service to make their schools and communities stronger. It’s a privilege to invest in their futures and dreams through this recognition program.”

Next year’s OAA program will begin accepting applications in January 2022. Active NJHS members who are in good standing, in grades 6–9, and attend a school with an affiliated NJHS chapter are eligible to submit an application. Past winners are not eligible to apply, but nonrecipients who applied previously are welcome to apply again. Congratulations to the 2021 OAA recipients!

About NASSP

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals across the United States. NASSP seeks to transform education through school leadership, recognizing that the fulfillment of each student’s potential relies on great leaders in every school committed to the success of each student. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council.

About The Education Plan

The Education Plan® is a 529 Education Savings Plan administered by The Education Trust Board of New Mexico. It’s a tax-advantaged way to save for education expenses, including tuition, room and board, books, fees, and computer equipment at a four-year university, community college, professional school, or trade school. The money may be used at schools across the United States, both traditional and online. Accounts grow tax-free and withdrawals are tax-free if used for qualified higher education expenses. Contributions are tax-deductible on some state income tax returns. The Education Plan® helps families prepare for and manage future education expenses and helps reduce student loan debt. Anyone can open an account and make contributions whenever they choose. Visit TheEducationPlan.com.