One junior high student from campus between Bakersfield and Stockton was one of five students, to receive an award for leadership skills. The Marian Huhn Award, a $200 scholarship, is designed for outstanding performance in California Junior Scholarship Federation (CJSF).

?I was kind of surprised when I heard that I was nominated because I?m not a straight A student, but I was very happy,? Jessica Massie, ’11, said. ?When I found out that I had actually won I was very surprised because other people I knew had more qualifications.?

To qualify for the scholarship members must be nominated by a teacher and collect letters of recommendation from the CJSF advisor along with a member of the community. The nominee must also write a letter explaining why they deserve the scholarship.

?Jessica was nominated because she had exhibited leadership and service to CJSF and leadership outside of school,? Hallie Rojeski, CJSF adviser, said. ?I was very pleased for her when I heard she won. She is the sixth student in 18 years to win from our school.?

A list of CJSF qualifications including the amount of time participated in CJSF and service as an officer is also required, along with a list of school service activities.

?I was the Secretary of CJSF during first semester,? Massie said. ?I?m the Majorette of the band and helped with the band booth during homecoming. I was also student of the month in October.?

Massie also participates in non-school related service projects. She took part in the Komen Race for the Cure, sings in the Cantate Girlchoir and volunteers at a library during spare time.

?My mom was in charge of the entertainment part of the run (Komen Race) and I got involved to help her,? Massie said. ?I also love to read and going to the library gives me and excuse to search for new books.?

Friends and family of nominees gathered for a day of celebration to honor the scholarship winners at Cornerstone Community Church in Chowchilla on April 21.

?When we were at the banquet hall at the church they read our qualifications and announced the winners,? Massie said. ?I was ecstatic.?

CJSF recently raised over $750 to provide the Ronald McDonald House with televisions, VCRs, coloring books and games from the Valentines Day Candy Gram sales and money raised from the member run Student Store.