Tecumseh Middle School student wins National Junior Honor Society award

TECUMSEH — Tecumseh Middle School eighth grader Laura Nadeau is an all-round student, athlete and someone who pays it forward. 

Nadeau recently received the National Junior Honor Society Outstanding Achievement Award.  

The NJHS award recognizes middle-level students for their commitment to the five pillars of NJHS: scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. Nadeau was one of 500 NJHS students selected for the award and received a $500 scholarship deposit into a 529 account established by her parents to support her educational aspirations. 

“Laura is the treasurer of our NJHS chapter. She is a wonderful example for other students with her positive attitude, willingness to volunteer, hard work in and out of the classroom, and reliability,” Jessie LaFountain, Tecumseh Middle School art educator and NHJS adviser, said. “Her eighth grade teachers gave Laura the highest ratings for leadership, service, character and citizenship when asked for feedback regarding her application for NJHS.” 

In addition to her work in NJHS, Nadeau is a straight-A student with a current 4.0 GPA, plays middle school softball and volleyball as well as travel softball and AAU travel volleyball, and is a member of the middle school equations team.

She was surprised when she was notified of the award. 

“I was shocked!” Nadeau said. “I plan on using this towards my college education, but I haven't even started looking or thinking that far ahead on specific colleges.” 

Nadeau puts in a great deal of effort into academics. 

“From the time I was young, schoolwork and academics were a priority and will always be. I enjoy learning and being exposed to new experiences or knowledge,” Nadeau said. 

Tecumseh’s NJHS chapter is new this year and includes students in sixth through eighth grades. Its members just finished a fundraising coin drive benefiting local animal shelters. They also are signing up to volunteer at the parent-teacher organization carnivals at the district's early learning center buildings as well as field days at the intermediate learning center and ELC buildings. 

“We are rather blessed to have her as our child. She has always been very dedicated and devoted to her schoolwork as well as her activities. She places her studies at the forefront of her day even when homework is not required. We will find her studying and moving forward with the next assignment even though it is not asked of her,” Laura’s mother, Tammy Nadeau, said. “Most of her time after school is spent with activities and/or studying and when she has free time. She dedicates it to practicing her sports at home or spending time with family and friends.”   Laura has three big sisters: Lillian Nadeau, 20, a recent graduate of Eastern Michigan University; Morgen Nadeau, 18, a recent graduate of the Jackson College/Lenawee Intermediate School District Academy Middle College and Jackson College; and Megan Nadeau, 15, who is attending the JC/LISD Academy Middle College. All three say that Laura works hard and deserves the award. 

Lillian and Laura spend a lot of time together doing almost everything from watching their favorite shows to driving around and listening to music. Lillian said that there isn't anything in this world she wouldn't do for Laura or with her. 

“As Laura's older sister, words cannot express how excited and proud I am of her. Laura is so kind, generous and caring toward everyone she meets,” Lillian said. “She goes the extra mile for anything, no matter how big or small. Her dedication to her friends, family, teammates and schoolwork alone shines brighter than anything.” 

Tammy added, “Laura has a very large heart and loves spending time with her friends and family. She puts 100% or more into all she does, and we are very blessed to be able to call her our daughter.” 

Laura is always thinking ahead.

“After high school, my plan is to attend a college and work towards a nursing degree. Currently, I am gathering basic knowledge to prepare myself for high school, hoping to take a nursing program class if offered, but I also read on basic anatomy to help prepare,” Nadeau said. “To achieve my goals, I will maintain my grades and I am taking honors classes for the extra challenge next year.” 

LaFountain said that Laura is a big help with the other kids and that she hopes this is just one of many students in the nascent NJHS chapter to be recognized in this way. 

“Laura is a positive person who is willing to help wherever she can. She is a hard worker in and out of school,” LaFountain said. “We are very proud of Laura and hope she is the first of many here at Tecumseh Middle School to be chosen for the Outstanding Achievement Award.”