National Honor Society

About the National Honor Society

The National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are the nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school and middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NHS and NJHS serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character (and Citizenship for NJHS). These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since their beginnings in 1921 and 1929.

Four main purposes have guided chapters of NHS from the beginning: "To create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools." (from the NHS Constitution) These purposes also translate into the criteria used for membership selection in each local chapter.

The process of acquiring new members for the Mauldin High Chapter of the National Honor Society will begin soon after school starts. New members will be chosen from the Junior and Senior classes. Membership in the National Honor Society involves much more than good grades. Yes, students must have a GPR of 4.25 or higher and at least 2 Honors and/or AP classes each year, but membership also requires Leadership Ability, Excellent Character and equally important, Service to the Community.

Scholarship

Students who have completed their sophomore year with a cumulative grade point average of 4.25 or higher, meet the scholarship requirement for membership. These students are then eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership, and character.

Service

This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit. Students are required to have a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer service meet this requirement.

Leadership

Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others. Students are required to hold a leadership position to meet this requirement.

Character

The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, and generally maintains a good and clean lifestyle. Students must secure two (2) teacher/coach/advisor recommendations to meet this requirement.

Each member of the National Honor Society is required to complete a total of 20 service hours per year (10 per semester).

Seniors must complete a 10 hour service project that has been PRE-APPROVED by Mrs. Duncan and Mrs. Harmon. If you are working in a group, each member of the group must do 10 hours of service (ex. group of 3 must complete a 30 hour project). In addition to the project, they must complete 5 hours of service per semester (10 for the year).

*Mandatory: All NHS students must perform at least 1 hour of tutoring through NHS.

Students who graduate in good standing with the NHS will get to wear the distinctive white hood at graduation.

Our hope is that these students, our future leaders, will be motivated to always be looking for ways they can help others.

**Please send questions about NHS to Mrs. Duncan or Mrs. Harmon.