December 2025 News
Indiana Academy Students Lead Effort to End Alzheimer’s
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million Americans, touching families, friends, and communities across the country. Each Fall, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s brings people together to remember, honor, and raise money to support research for a cure. This year, the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities’ National Honor Society (NHS) chapter joined the cause in a powerful way.
More than 60 students, and numerous faculty and staff, volunteered at the Muncie event in September. Together, they raised more than $4,200 for the Alzheimer’s Association—surpassing their goal for a third consecutive year.
“It didn’t feel like an obligation,” said NHS President Neela Cormier-Marri, a senior at the Academy. “Everyone wanted to be there. We started early, setting up tables and balloons, cheering on the walkers, and helping with the cleanup afterward. The whole morning was about community.”
Indiana Academy’s chapter of NHS began supporting the walk four years ago, and the partnership has grown stronger each year. Adviser Chris Buczek, associate lecturer of chemistry, who founded the chapter five years ago, said the service aligns with the group’s mission.
“I hold these students to very high standards in terms of service, leadership, and character—and they’ve come through with shining colors year after year,” Ms. Buczek said. “Projects like this show how much they care about making a difference, not just here on campus but in the broader Muncie community.”
The NHS leadership team also includes Savannah Scott, who helps coordinate member participation and oversees the group’s Study Buddies peer mentoring program. There are 47 Indiana Academy students—nearly 25 percent of the school’s student body—who are members of the Academy’s NHS chapter.
John Eenigenburg, the Academy’s chapter treasurer, recalled the excitement when the group surpassed its fundraising goal.
“Last year we raised about $3,400, and this year we hit $4,300,” he said. “Our goal this year was $4,000. Seeing everyone’s reaction when we crossed that mark was amazing. I even donated the last $15 myself just to make sure we did it—and then we even topped that.”
For many students, the day was personal. The Academy’s NHS chapter secretary, Andrew Maple, said the Promise Garden ceremony—a moment when participants raise colored flowers representing their personal connection to Alzheimer’s—left a lasting impression.
“Everyone has been impacted by Alzheimer’s in some way,” Mr. Maple said. “Standing there, seeing those flowers and the people holding them—it really hits you. It’s emotional and inspiring.”
The Alzheimer’s walk is one of many projects NHS members lead each year. Students also volunteer at local food banks, clean public spaces, and mentor their peers through Study Buddies, a tutoring and accountability program they created to help classmates navigate rigorous coursework. Each member strives to complete at least 50 service hours annually, though many exceed that goal.
“What makes our NHS special is that every project has a personal touch,” Ms. Cormier-Marri said. “It’s not just about earning hours—it’s about passion and giving back in ways that matter to us and others.”
Ms. Buczek said the students’ energy and leadership continue to inspire her.
“They’re proof that when bright, motivated students are trusted with real responsibility, they rise to the occasion—and make a lasting impact.”
Maria Lopez-Owens, senior director of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, said the Academy students’ involvement strengthens the entire event, which had 522 participants and raised more than $73,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association this year.
“Our organization cannot do what we do without the support of students like those from the Indiana Academy National Honor Society,” she said. “They are the organizers, the volunteers, and the cheering squad who bring wonderful excitement to the day. We hope to build on this momentum for years to come.”