We’re proud to congratulate New Mexico students awarded the 2022 National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Outstanding Achievement Award! This marks the seventh year that 500 NJHS students from across the country were selected to receive $500 awards in the form of a 529 account with The Education Plan. To date, $1.75 million has been awarded to 3,500 middle school students around the country. The award recognizes middle school students who have demonstrated their commitment to the five pillars of the NJHS – scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. The NJHS and this program are supported by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Congratulations to these exceptional students!

Meet Two of New Mexico’s 2022 NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award Winners

Hamsini Murali, Clovis

Hamsini is a broadly curious student whose interests span swimming, dance, and a variety of STEM subjects. Outside of classes, she loves cooking with her mom and performing in her school’s dance club. Above all, she is passionate about different species of wildlife and their natural habitats. Hamsini hopes to use this award and the funds in her 529 Plan to pursue a college education and further her dream of becoming a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator.

Kate Rogers, Albuquerque

From band, to track, to gymnastics, Kate is very involved with her school and extracurriculars. She hopes to go to college and have a successful career, but is keeping her options open. She is interested in potentially becoming a doctor, teacher, interior designer, or realtor. For Kate and her family, this award means that she will have a good head start on the financial means to pursue her goals, no matter what she chooses.

“The strategic partnership between NASSP and The Education Plan is based upon our shared commitment to helping middle school students realize their education goals and ease the burden of student loan debt, said Natalie Cordova, Executive Director of The Education Trust Board of New Mexico, which administers The Education Plan. She added, “We’re happy to acknowledge these outstanding students and their families.”

The costs of higher education continue to increase. A 529 college savings plan with The Education Plan is the ideal way for families to save for education costs now so there is less student debt in the future. Students can use their 529 plan to pay for a number of costs related to a traditional four-year university degree, community college, or trade school.

The Education Plan provides federal and state tax-advantages for New Mexico's families. New Mexico is one of a handful of states that currently allows a full state income tax deduction for contributions to its state administered 529 plans. Contributions grow tax-free, and future withdrawals are also tax free as long as they are used to pay for qualified expenses including tuition, room, meal plans, books, supplies, computers, and fees.

Studies show if a child has as little as $500 saved for college, a child is three times as likely to go to college and four times as likely to graduate.

For more information about The Education Plan, visit www.TheEducationPlan.com

For more information about the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award, go to www.njhs.us/OAA.