NHS Guidelines

Grade of the Student Apply:

In 10th grade contingent upon a NHS Invitation Letter that is sent in late February. This letter will notify the student regarding the details of the application process.

11th grade students who continue to be eligible but did not join in the 10th grade will also be invite at this time. 

Selection of Members

The selection of new members shall be held once a year for Juniors (Spring) and once a year for Seniors (Fall). Students’ academic records shall be reviewed to determine scholastic eligibility. Students meeting the first criteria of scholarship will be notified in writing and will be invited to complete the National Honor Society Application.

• Students must complete and submit the West Anchorage National Honor Society Application and have two adults in supervisory positions complete the recommendation pages. You must have at least one recommendation from a teacher who has instructed you in an academic class. Your second recommendation may be from any non-relative adult (administrator, counselor, coach, teacher, employer, etc.).

• The completed application must be submitted electronically using the form on this website.

• The Faculty Council will evaluate each candidate’s application, recommendations, and discipline record for compliance to school policy and make recommendations to the Chapter Advisors and Principal.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for selection to membership candidates must:

• Be members of the sophomore or junior class.

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. This scholastic level of achievement shall remain fixed. All students who can rise in scholarship to or above such a standard may be admitted to candidacy for selection to membership.

Upon meeting the grade level, attendance, and GPA standard requirements, candidates shall then be considered based on the standards of service, leadership, and character.

Standards

• The Faculty Council seeks evidence of the following characteristics when it considers election of candidates:

Scholarship

• The Scholarship requirement set by the West Anchorage National Honor Society is based on a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.

Leadership

• Leadership roles within and outside the school community will be considered.

The student who demonstrates leadership:

• Conducts business effectively and efficiently; demonstrates reliability and dependability

• Is resourceful in proposing solutions, applying principles, and making suggestions

• Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted

• Exercises positive influence on peers in upholding school ideals

• Is able to delegate responsibilities

• Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude.

Character

A person of character demonstrates these six qualities, defined as the “Six Pillars of Character” by the character Counts! Coalition: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

The student of character:

• Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability)

• Upholds principles of morality and ethics

• Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability

• Regularly shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others

Service

Service is considered to be those actions undertaken by the student, which are done with or on behalf of others, without any direct financial or material compensation.

The student who serves:

• Participates in some activity inside or outside of school (e.g., Boy or Girl Scouts, church groups, hospital volunteer, volunteer groups for the elderly, poor, or disadvantaged, etc.)

• Volunteers and provides dependable and well-organized assistance, is readily available, and sacrifices to offer assistance

• Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service

• Willingly represents the class or school in interclass and interscholastic competition

• Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students

The Faculty Council will consider extenuating circumstances, such as long-term illness, employment, work at home, and others, which may legitimately restrict the number of activities in which a candidate is involved.

Notification of Inductees

Candidates who are elected to membership are invited to a meeting at which they learn about the honors and obligations of NHS membership. If a candidate accepts membership, he or she does so with the understanding that membership entails the responsibility to maintain those standards by which candidates are elected, to participate in the activities of the chapter, and to accept the conditions of the Chapter Bylaws.

Discipline and Dismissal

Any member who falls below the standards of scholarship, leadership, character, or service may be considered for dismissal from the WHS chapter of the National Honor Society. Failure to comply with the Expectations and uphold the values of the National Honor Society will warrant disciplinary action and intervention on the part of the Advisors, the Faculty Council and/or Administration. A member of the National Honor Society is expected to maintain his or her academic standing and take an active role in service and leadership to his or her school and community.

Expectations

Inductee is expected to fulfill the following requirements:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater

• Attend regularly scheduled meetings

• Volunteer a total of 20 hours of community service (e.g., mentoring, tutoring, volunteering) for the school year

Contact Information:

Any questions or concerns should be addressed to the National Honor Society Advisors.

Sara LeGate legate_sara@asdk12.org