National Honor Society
The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to recognize those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
This is a special honor awarded to juniors and seniors who have earned a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade point average and also demonstrates exceptional qualities of leadership, character, and service in school and through community experiences. This criteria is set on a national level and followed by our local chapter at Bethel High School.
Membership carries a responsibility of continued service in the school and our community throughout the year.
Selection Criteria
Scholarship: Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher with no high school discipline history 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 as the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, without direct financial or material compensation to the individual performing the service.
Leadership: Student leaders are often viewed as those students who are resourceful, good problem solvers, involved in and promoters of school activities, idea contributors, dependable, and who are both organized and organizers.
Character: The student of good character can be said to be one who upholds principles of morality and ethics; is cooperative and responsible, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and is a good citizen.
Membership
Once selected, students are awarded the privilege of membership in a special induction ceremony. The induction ceremony usually takes place int he spring.
With induction, each member is responsible for:
Dues: Members are required to pay a one time membership fee of $15.00. Students will have an opportunity to participate in fundraisers to cover any cost.
Meetings: Members are excepted to attend all chapter meetings.
Service Projects: Members are required to participate in a yearly chapter service project. service projects will vary from year to year.
Individual Service Projects: Members are required to complete 40 hours in community service hours. Students should not receive financial compensation for their work.
Transfer Students
In compliance with national requirements, NHS members who transfer into any high school will become a member of the receiving high school's NHS chapter as soon as proof of active NHS membership is received.
Students who were in the JNHS in middle school will have an opportunity to apply for the NHS during their tenth grade year.