National English Honor Society 

Glen Ridge National English Honor Society (NEHS)

Overview of Program and Application Process

This year, Glen Ridge High School will have its first chapter of The National English Honor Society (NEHS). Our chapter named “Sans Everything” will recognize distinguished readers and writers in the Glen Ridge High School. The rules for membership are based upon a student's outstanding performance in the areas of scholarship, extracurricular activities, awards and honors, and writing. These criteria will be carefully considered by the Faculty Advisor Council as they review each application. Please consider all criteria carefully as you decide whether to apply for membership. Excellence in each criteria should be a goal for each student as they work through the first semester of this school year. As a member, you will be required to attend monthly meetings, NEHS events, and publish written work at least three times a year. 

When do I apply? 

Juniors can apply following the first semester of  their Junior year.

Seniors can apply or reapply following the first semester of their Senior year.

Seniors will be inducted at the annual Spring Induction alongside accepted Juniors. 

‘24-25 Applications are due March 24, 2025 (Click "Application" in the top right of your screen to apply). 

What makes me a strong NEHS applicant?

It is important you review the following criteria to prepare yourself for the application process. Being aware of these criteria will help you set goals for yourself throughout this first semester and improve your chances of acceptance. 

Scholarship: 

Candidates in a College Preparatory level English course must have achieved a  grade point average of 3.75 (on a 4.0 scale) prior to induction as members. 

Candidates in a Honors level English course must have achieved a weighted grade point average of 4.25 (on a 4.0 scale) prior to induction as members. 

Candidates in an AP level English course must have achieved a weighted grade point average of 4.75 (on a 4.0 scale) prior to induction as members. 

Essentially, you must have an A- in your respective English courses for acceptance.

*Applicants without a qualifying GPA cannot be considered. 

Activities:

NEHS members are those who are promoters of reading, writing, and humanities-driven engagement here at GRHS. Therefore, you must provide examples of your participation in activities that:

• Promote your own and others' voices as writers, readers, and speakers

• Expose students to literary stimulation

• Encourage interest and enthusiasm for English literature

• Improve their community by way of the study and exploration of literature

In short, participation in activities like Drama Club, Performance in play/musicals, Debate Club, Stage Crew, Literary Magazine, Film Competition, Shakespeare Competition, or Writing Club would certainly help support your acceptance to NEHS.

*For each activity, you will be asked to provide a contact email and a letter that evidences your participation in that activity. 

Leadership:

NEHS members are leaders who are committed to exerting a positive influence on the school and others. They take the initiative in class and in school activities, striving to train and aid others to reach their goals. They also have self‑confidence and will go forward when others hesitate. As you prepare for the application process, you should think about the ways in which you can become a leader within the GRHS community. Perhaps you already have a leadership role. This will become an important part of the application process. 

*For each leadership experience, you will be asked to provide a contact email and a letter that evidences your participation as a leader.

Awards/Honors: 

Many of our students have been awarded and honored for their exemplary participation in local, state, or national competitions. And many of you will be inspired to participate in competitions this school year. There will be a section of the application that provides space for description of a contest, student enrichment program, or publication of literary work that can support your bid to be selected for membership in the National English Honor Society. 

*For each Award/Honor, you will be asked to provide a contact email and a letter that evidences your achievement.

Writing Responses: 

The final section of the application will require the compilation of two original, written responses. Each needs to be roughly 250-400. The prompts will be provided within the application and the application window, not beforehand. 

How do I apply to NEHS?

To apply, you will need to complete the NEHS Application Google Form. 

The application deadline will not be extended due to any delay in receiving any application materials. 

A complete application includes:

• Completion of all sections of the application:

  • Terms for Membership section

  • Activities section

  • Leadership section

  • Awards/Honors Section

• Contact Emails & letters or documentation that evidences your participation in activities, leadership roles, and competitions.

• Completion of two writing responses. 

• Upload of your own AND your parent/guardian’s signatures.

Disciplinary Note: 

• As part of the application review process, all student disciplinary records are checked through the assistant principal's office.  While a discipline record does not necessarily preclude membership in NEHS, it is expected that any incidents be addressed clearly and specifically within your application.