Give Young Scholars a Head Start

The Young Scholars Program gives middle school students and parents a head start over their classmates. As a former Upper School Assistant Principal and Director for Career and College Advising at Valor Christian Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia, I know the value of giving students this JUMPSTART. Now, as the Chief Consultant for R.A.C.E. Consulting, I see how joining an honor society in middle school can open doors by providing resources, experiences, and guidance before high school begins. I am proud to recommend the Young Scholars Program to my students and families, knowing that it will set them apart for their future.

I grew up in Maywood, New Jersey, and moved to Oviedo, Florida, just a week before starting high school. From day one, I’ve worked hard to make a difference, whether by starting new clubs or simply lending a hand wherever I could. If I could go back and tell my middle school self one thing, it would be: don’t be afraid to be yourself. Embrace who you are, even if it feels a little uncomfortable at times. Here’s some advice as you prepare for high school: Social media can seriously impact your mindset, take a look around when your peers are glued to their phones. It’s easy to fall into that trap, but staying present matters more. As for friendships? Appreciate them. Many won’t last forever, but the memories will. Middle school is the time to make them count.

I’m a straight-A student with perfect attendance who also competes in varsity Swim, Gymnastics, and Track & Field. Beyond athletics, I stay active through Student Council, Environmental Club, Tri-M, NHS, Link Crew, and Students Leading Students. Volunteering and giving back to my community is something I truly love, and I’m especially passionate about environmental issues and advocacy. Looking back, I wish I had known more about the opportunities waiting for me in high school, like AP exams and dual-enrollment. If I had understood those options earlier, I could have made the most of my freshman year right from the start. I also wish I realized that you can begin preparing in middle school by exploring opportunities ahead of time. My biggest piece of advice for middle school students and parents is to take freshman year seriously. It’s not a year to slack off—every class matters, and the habits you form early will carry you through. Make the effort to research the opportunities your high school offers, whether academic programs, clubs, or leadership roles, so you can set yourself up for the future you want. Don’t be afraid to try out different teams and organizations based on what truly interests you, not just what your friends are doing. That’s how you’ll expand your circle and meet people who share your passions. Time management is also key. Use any work periods at school to stay on top of assignments and avoid bringing too much home. Staying organized and not procrastinating will make a huge difference in managing your workload. At the same time, don’t forget to take care of yourself. If you ever feel stressed, give yourself permission to pause, practice a little self-care, and reset. High school is full of opportunities—you just have to be ready to grab them and make them your own.

I’m Finn McGill, a senior at Tanque Verde High School in Tucson, Arizona. I’m honored to be a member and ambassador of NSHSS, and the recipient of the NSHSS Student Athlete Scholarship as well as the NSHSS Nobel Earth Sustainability Scholarship for my research in ornithology. One thing I wish I knew in middle school: deadlines sneak up fast, and time management is a superpower. Don’t wait until the last minute! Make small steps early, and you’ll save yourself a lot of stress. Get used to managing your time early. Deadlines come fast, and doing a little each day keeps things from piling up. Try new things, because high school is about more than classes. Parents, let your kids take on more responsibility—even if it’s messy—and be there when they need backup. Celebrate the effort, not just the results. Be friendly and kind. Say hi and talk to new people. Join clubs or sports to meet friends. Take breaks when school feels heavy. Don’t chase perfection—steady effort matters more.

One thing I wish I knew in middle school is that you don’t actually “grow up,” but rather you “grow old.” What this means is that when you get older, you are not obligated to give up childhood hobbies or habits that make you happy. You only grow up from that if you decide to. Learning this lets you get rid of the fear that your adult life is going to be miserable and that you only have a short time left to be happy in your youth—not to say you should take it for granted.

Hi, I am Wijdan! I’m a 15-year-old senior who is currently homeschooled. One thing I wish I knew in middle school was probably to not care about what others think. Many students struggle because they don’t reach their friends’ expectations. Rather, students need to focus on their future and make themselves better. High school is something you need to put 100% effort into, as it will lead you to college. It’s better in middle school to focus, get your grades up, and build study habits. Look for friends who accept who you are, not people who want you to change. Try to limit screen time and finish homework early. Don’t focus on appearance; it doesn’t matter.

My name is Adaliz Ramirez. I am 17 years old, I’m a senior in high school, and I’m a graphic designer and a Christian. One thing I wish I knew in middle school is: don’t hang out with people who bring you down. You’re turning into an adult soon. High school is very different from middle school, and you’ll need to start maturing. Surround yourself with people who are good for you—friends who care about their future and want the best for you too. Share kindness, knowledge, and encouragement with your friends, not just your struggles. Be respectful to your teachers—the way they see you can help you in the long run. Stay organized, do your work, and aim for good grades. Most importantly, focus on growing into the best version of yourself!

I’m Arabella Glass, a high school senior who participates in three varsity sports and eight clubs. In my free time, I enjoy being outside—hiking, reading, or doing nature photography. One thing I wish I knew in middle school is that there are AP classes and college dual enrollment opportunities. I also wish I knew that I could apply for scholarships as a middle schooler. My advice is to take advantage of all the opportunities your school offers you and make the most of your freshman year. Get involved! Join clubs or sports that interest you—you’ll probably make lots of new friends who share your passions!