Established in 1921, the National Honor Society (NHS) is the oldest and most respected student recognition organization in the United States. Membership in NHS distinguishes students who have committed themselves to the pursuit of academic excellence, community improvement, and personal development. We hope the information below plus what is included elsewhere on this webpage will assist you to better understand our organization.
Academic achievement is a core component of NHS, but today's students need much more than just good grades to get ahead. NHS's focus on service, leadership, and character helps students build the skills and relationships that will ensure success throughout their academic years and beyond. When NHS members participate in community service projects, attend local, state, and national leadership events, and serve as ambassadors to their schools and communities, they:
Connect with faculty, community leaders, and local businesses who can provide recommendations and references, as well as leads on future internships and jobs.
Build a portfolio of life achievements that can be featured on applications for colleges and careers, as well as cover letters and resumes.
Begin networking with other accomplished student leaders who are focused on personal growth and building a solid foundation for their future endeavors.
Learn how to be a more effective leader and why leadership skills are an essential tool at any stage of life.
Make an impact, not just for himself or herself, but for the community and the world.
NHS membership should NOT be viewed as a resume add-on. Instead, membership is only meaningful if approached with a positive attitude. Our chapter provides an outstanding array of service opportunities that students can pick from. However, their NHS experience is only going to be significant and life-changing if they select their service opportunities with an eye to learn how to serve selflessly. NHS is only as beneficial as what your student does with the opportunities they are afforded.
To really gain from the experience, members need to invest their time and best efforts so that NHS becomes a true representation of the positive young person they’ve developed into. You DON’T need NHS to get into the best schools. Colleges care about the dedication students develop to the activities they are involved in. If it is evident that your son or daughter took the easy path throughout their involvement in NHS, membership will be meaningless. On the other hand, if they learn that their efforts genuinely make a difference and are willing to profit from constructive criticism on how to be a person of good character – the experience can be an exemplary one.
Please do not confuse NHS with NHSS - they are NOT the same. Our NHS Chapter is sponsored by Crestwood High School and the Crestwood School District and we have no affiliation with NSHSS. If you have questions, please read the two (2) articles clicking on them. There are few requirements for membership in NSHSS and membership does not hold the same prestige as being a member of our National Honor Society chapter. Please make your own decision after reading the information provided.
Do some research on the institution your student is interested in. Go visit and tour the universitiesEach college and university has lots of information on what they are looking for. The College Board article referenced to the right says that "Character Counts" - most universities are looking for more than just your GPA and test scores. They are interested in qualities like: leadership, a willingness to take risks, initiative, a sense of social responsibility, a commitment to service, and special talents or abilities.
Check out both academic and athletic programs available at local, in-state, and out-of-state summer opportunities. These typically require applying early in January and February and can be competitive. Some are costly and many are free depending upon a family's economic situation. Participation in these programs is a great way for students to broaden their horizons, meet with academically talented youth from all over, and an opportunity to network with professionals in fields a student may have an interest in.
A well read student is a student poised for success. Reading is vital for a number of reasons. Check out the following web article:
Crestwood has a wide variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses to choose from. Students should work carefully with each of their content teachers to decide which AP courses are a good fit for them and their future. AP coursework is "vetted", meaning that a score in an Advanced Placement course carries much more weight with college admissions officers because they are aware of the rigor of the coursework for each AP class.