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National Honor Society
History:
In 1921, the National Honor Society was formed as a result of a growing need for a national organization whose objectives were as follows: “to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character in the nation's secondary schools.” Since its inception, the National Honor Society has proved to be a concrete means of promoting high school academic achievement and improving both the individual and the school.
Initial Eligibility:
Students may become candidates for the National Honor Society in their junior and senior years. In order to become eligible, the student must have an unweighted cumulative GP A of ‘88’ or higher. If the student has the required average, he or she must then complete a Student Activity Information Form, including letters of recommendation, which is reviewed by the NHS Faculty Council. It is important to note that the ‘88’ or better is merely a prerequisite. The student is then closely evaluated on the selection criteria outlined
below.
Selection Criteria:
Selection as a member of the National Honor Society is an honor and privilege, not a right. The privilege of membership is bestowed upon a student by the faculty of the school. It is important to recognize that the NHS membership is never granted solely on academic performance. More than an honor roll, the NHS also evaluates students on the components of leadership, service, and character.
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Leadership:
While leadership is largely recognized as the number of offices a student has held in school and community organizations, leadership also exists outside of elected positions, in less objective terms. The student who demonstrates leadership: commands the respect of faculty and peers and inspires positive behavior in others, demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities, delegates responsibility to others, and is resourceful in solving problems.
Service:
Community service activities are those which are done for or on behalf of others (not including family members) for which no financial or material compensation is given. Students seeking membership into the NHS should begin service endeavors in their freshman year so as to ensure a minimum of 20 hours prior to application into the society. The student who serves: participates in some activity outside of school (such as church groups, community art endeavors, Girl/Boy Scouts, and volunteer services for the elderly, poor, or disadvantaged), mentors persons in the community, shows courtesy by assisting visitors/teachers/students, and cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school.
Character:
According the NHS Handbook, a person of character "demonstrates the following six qualities: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship." In addition, a student of character: actively works to overcome negative influences in and out of school, consistently exhibits mature, moral and ethical behavior, cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property and programs, demonstrates the highest level of honesty, and takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously. |
Legal Guidelines:
Chapters of the NHS are not legally or constitutionally obligated to share with parents and students information concerning specific students not selected for membership in the Society. Students not selected for membership in the National Honor Society are not entitled to any kind of formal hearing or other kind of due process. Members of the NHS Faculty Council shall not be questioned on the evaluation of individual students. Students and their parents, however, are invited to meet with the Principal to discuss, in general, the criteria for selection into the society.
Obligations of Membership:
Once inducted as a member, the students are expected to maintain the standards by which they were selected (i.e. continued academic performance at or above an "88" average, continued involvement in service and leadership projects, and a continued presence as a positive role model to others). In addition, the NHS expects members to attend meetings and participate in school and community service projects conducted by the society.
*Information taken from, The National Honor Society Handbook, 15th Edition.
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