Global Awareness & Community Connections at Benjamin Tasker Middle School's NHJS Program

_{Photo: Supply drive by students at Benjamin Tasker Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society. Six students stand by, smiling, with carts stacked with paper towels, food, and other supplies for families in need.}   

By S. Nikki Myers and JanetViana Clarke, Global Awareness Network

On November 30, 2023, the middle school kids sit in their blue cushioned chairs in suits and ties, dresses and sweaters, and beautiful braids. They turn to their friends in the rows behind; they smile at the camera. Parents chat and look around as well, as everyone seems eager for the ceremony to begin. The caption on the photo for the @nationalhonorsociety social media post reads: “Congratulations to the Benjamin Tasker Middle School @btmstigers National Junior Honor Society on inducting 68 new members in its Chapter!… Students were excited to begin the journey of developing their leadership skills and using it to change the world for good.” 

The Global Awareness Network of NAGC was delighted to recognize the Benjamin Tasker Middle School National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) at the November convention in Pittsburgh, as the 2025 winner of the Annemarie Roeper Award for an organization. Benjamin Tasker Middle School is located 30 minutes outside Washington, D.C., with such a highly diverse student and teacher population that it has been described by some as a small United Nations, and JanetViana Clarke has been running this program since it opened six years ago. They currently have 164 students, with 38% boys and 62% girls enrolled. The student application process requires a 3.0 GPA, teacher recommendations, and a personal essay describing the impact that they hope to make as part of the society.

This Global Awareness Award recognizes the way that Annemarie Roeper was a force for kind, empathetic, ethical, and child-centered gifted education in the world, and she advocated for this network to connect and collaborate across organizations on these practices. Through this NJHS program, Ms. Clark has seen firsthand how the Benjamin Tasker students are extremely empathetic and also sometimes need to learn new empathy; and that, above all, they want to make a difference. They are involved in athletics, performing arts, academic competitions, leadership organizations, community service initiatives, and other enrichment opportunities, and while these experiences contribute significantly to their personal growth, leadership development, and overall well-being, these students must also learn to manage academic responsibilities and personal commitments. From her perspective, the (NJHS) program exemplifies student-centered gifted education because it places students at the heart of the learning experience and empowers them to contribute meaningfully. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, NJHS recognizes that giftedness is multidimensional and flourishes when students are given authentic opportunities to solve real-world problems.

Through projects, fundraising, peer mentoring, and advocacy activities, students are encouraged to identify needs, develop solutions, and take ownership of their impact. The NJHS program also reflects a child-centered philosophy by recognizing that young people are not merely recipients of knowledge but capable change agents whose ideas, perspectives, and actions matter. By providing opportunities for students to make decisions, set goals, work collaboratively, and engage in personally meaningful service, NJHS nurtures both intellectual growth and character development. It demonstrates that gifted education is not simply about accelerating content; it is about developing the whole child and creating pathways for students to discover their gifts as a positive influence on others. Students learn that true leadership is rooted in service, and that their voices, talents, and actions have the power to create lasting change within their communities and beyond.

Ms. Clarke has learned many things from her students, as she states: “My students have taught me one of the most important education lessons: potential is often hidden beneath circumstances. Some of my exceptionally gifted and talented young leaders have had their abilities obscured by poverty, language barriers, learning differences, trauma, self-doubt, or limited opportunities. This has reinforced my belief that empathy is not always immediately visible and that every student deserves someone who is willing to look beyond the surface and recognize their strengths. Compassion, empathy, and service do not always announce themselves loudly. Sometimes these qualities appear quietly in acts of kindness, perseverance, and courage. I have witnessed students organize food drives, support families in need, raise funds for important causes, mentor their peers, and advocate for what is right. In a world that often focuses on challenges, I have seen firsthand their generosity, resilience, integrity, and determination. They have taught me that character is just as important as achievement and that true success is measured by the positive impact we have on the lives of others.

Equally important, my students have taught me humility. No matter how many years of experience I gain, they continually remind me that there is always more to learn. They reinforce that education is built on relationships before it is built on curriculum. Some of my most meaningful professional growth has come from listening and from seeing their hope in action. Students have dreamed beyond their circumstances, persevered through challenges that would overwhelm many adults, and continued to believe in possibilities despite adversity. Their resilience reminds me daily why education matters. They demonstrate the transformative power of encouragement, opportunity, and belonging. One caring adult, one meaningful opportunity, one word of affirmation, or one moment of recognition can change the trajectory of a life. They have deepened my understanding of humanity and strengthened my commitment to ensuring that every child is seen, valued, challenged, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.”

The impact of the NJHS program has extended far beyond the student participants. With the food drives, Sanctuary Garden, community outreach efforts, and service-learning projects, students met the needs of others and created positive change. These experiences have transformed empathy, kindness, and civic responsibility into meaningful action. Students have witnessed firsthand how a simple act of service can provide hope to a family facing food insecurity, comfort to someone experiencing hardship, or encouragement to a peer who feels unseen. As a result, they have developed a deeper understanding of their role as contributors to their community rather than passive observers.

The community, in turn, has had a profound impact on the students. By engaging directly with the needs, strengths, and stories of those around them, students have learned that leadership is not about titles or recognition but about serving others with humility and purpose. Community members, local organizations, families, and volunteers have helped students recognize that meaningful change occurs when people work together toward a common goal.

The program has also had a transformative effect on the school itself. With the Sanctuary Garden and various service initiatives centered on hope, compassion, and wellness, the school has become more than a place of academic learning. Ultimately, the greatest impact has been a school culture where success is measured not only by personal achievement but also by how individuals uplift others. The students have gained invaluable life lessons, and the school has become a safer, more welcoming, and more supportive environment where academic excellence and human kindness work hand-in-hand to nurture the whole child.

Congratulations to the Benjamin Tasker Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society, Ms. JanetViian Clarke, Principal Dr. Kendra Hill, the school staff, and each student and family member who has contributed so much heart and impact into the world around you. We are so excited to see what you will accomplish next, and what other schools you will inspire as well.