Apply

The NHS welcomes applications from current juniors and seniors. Use this page or the NHS Constitution and Bylaws to learn about applying for the NHS.

How Are Eligible Students Selected?

NHS members are selected on the basis of leadership, citizenship, service, scholarship, and character. In the fall of their junior or senior year, students who have a GPA of 3.7 or higher will be notified of their eligibility for membership.


How Do Eligible Students Apply?

Students wishing to apply for membership in the NHS must attend an informational meeting detailing the expectations of the NHS and the application process. Candidates must complete an informational packet that includes.

  1. Leadership Activities - Each candidate shall demonstrate how they have led others to a meaningful and clear goal or objective on an ongoing basis in at least one organization in which they have been active for over one year. Students must clearly articulate how they led the organization in realizing its meaningful goals.

  2. Service Activities - Each candidate shall demonstrate service by having completed at least three service projects involving a total of at least twelve hours of service within the past two years. Service is defined as a positive, non-self-serving contribution to the welfare of others. Activities for which a candidate received a grade or credit in a class, received monetary or other remuneration, or was part of a fundraising activity designed to directly benefit the candidate, among other things, are not considered service. At least one leadership experience or service activity must have been done directly through a club or organization affiliated with the Darien Community.

  3. Personal Essay - Each candidate shall write a personal essay on a topic to be provided by the Chapter Advisor (all candidates will receive the same topic).

  4. Character Reference - Character Reference – Each candidate shall submit one letter of recommendation from an unrelated individual who can specifically attest to the candidate’s character. Darien High School teachers and tutors shall not write these character references. People that you or your family members have paid for services shall not write these character references.


What Happens After Applications Are Submitted?

Once the application deadline has passed, the DHS Faculty Council will review each application and vote on whether or not they should be accepted into the NHS. Students must recieve at least 3 out of 5 Faculty Council votes to be eligible for membership. The Chapter Advisor will then notify each applicant of the Faculty Council's decision.

Members will be publicly inducted into the NHS at the annual Induction Ceremony.