HHS National Honor Society

Welcome to Holliston High School's Aristos Chapter of the National Honor Society! The purpose of this organization shall be 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 (The National Honor Society). This website will serve the National Honor Society members and the local community.

History of the Organization

In 1921, the National Association of Secondary School Principals officially established the National Honor Society. Though many local and regional honor societies existed prior to 1921, no nationwide organization had been founded. Under the leadership of Dr. Edward Rynearson, principal of Fifth Avenue High School, Pittsburgh, PA., the organization grew from the original Alpha Chapter at the Fifth Avenue School to more than 1,000 chapters by 1930. Equipped with a constitution, an emblem and motto, and a group of dedicated principals as coordinators, the new NHS organization quickly developed into one of the country's leading education groups.

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 translate into the criteria used for membership selection in each local chapters.

(Taken in part from the National Honor Society history web page www.nhs.us and http://lescheneaux.eup.k12.mi.us/domain/52)

A brief history of the HHS chapter:

The Holliston Chapter of the National Honor Society was founded in 1954. The first advisor, Mr. James Rokas, dubbed it the Aristos Chapter. “Aristos” is a Greek word meaning “best or finest.”

Member Obligations:

Membership is a privilege, not a right. We want members who are excited and proud to demonstrate scholarship, character, service, and leadership.

Aristos Chapter NHS Member Obligations:

1. Thirty hours of community service each year is REQUIRED

(eight of these hours can go towards your leadership project).

2. Attendance at meetings (once a month) is REQUIRED.

3. Proposing and following through on a yearly Leadership Project is REQUIRED.

4. Meeting all deadlines and properly submitting paperwork is REQUIRED.

5. Attendance at mandatory events (usually 5 per year) is REQUIRED.

6. Maintaining your QPA at the established level is REQUIRED.

7. Signing the Aristos Chapter Honor Code is REQUIRED.

** You are a member 24/7. You will be expected to exhibit exemplary character at all times.

** Dues payment of $20: If this is a hardship, arrangements can be made (checks to HHS NHS).

Members also need to pay the $50 activity fee (checks to Holliston High School).

NHS Honor Code:

Below is the Holliston High School NHS Honor Code. Members recite the code two times during the school year and are expected to uphold the code at all times.

I promise to uphold the Aristos Chapter Honor Code and to follow the rules and regulations in the Holliston High School Student Handbook. I will be a leader to my fellow students, exemplifying excellent scholarship and character, both in school and out. I promise to serve my school and community in as many ways as possible. I am proud to have been selected to be a role model for my fellow peers, and I will be the best role model I can be.