A pair of Birmingham school district students have won the 2025 National Junior Honor Society Outstanding Achievement Award, placing them among only 17 middle schoolers statewide to receive this honor.

Kendall Dorfman and Abigail Klenke, both eighth graders at Berkshire Middle School, were chosen from thousands of applicants nationwide for their demonstration of the five honor society pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship.

Both had to complete essays and submit recommendation letters to qualify for the award.

“These outstanding young scholars represent the very best of Birmingham Public Schools,” Superintendent Embekka Roberson said. “Their commitment to academic excellence and service to others sets an inspiring example for students across our district.”

The award includes a $500 college savings plan for each recipient. Nationwide, only 500 students receive this recognition annually.

“I’m incredibly proud of Kendall and Abigail,” said Jason Clinkscale, Berkshire’s principal. “Day after day, they demonstrate remarkable leadership and character beyond their years. This recognition affirms what our school community already knows about these exceptional students.”