Selection Process

The National Honor Society is an organization based on four areas of student recognition: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. There are several stages in the selection process.

Stage 1 • In order to be considered for membership, students must:

1. be a junior or senior (for juniors, grades 9 and 10 are evaluated; for seniors, grades 9, 10, and 11 are evaluated);

2. have been in attendance at APSHS starting at least the semester prior to selection;

3. have a cumulative academic average of 91.00% or above OR a weighted GPA of 3.600 or above

Stage 2 • Students meeting the above requirements will be notified. Those who would like to be considered for membership must complete the application given to them, including leadership/activity resume (points will be assigned per list below), essay and commitment to service recommendation, by the specified deadline. Selection is NOT automatic.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

Although all students who meet academic requirements will be notified, they may not meet other requirements: poor discipline record, attendance, etc.  All requirements include, but are not limited to, those detailed below.

Stage 3 • Candidates will then be evaluated by the Faculty Council in the areas of leadership, service, and character. All candidates will then be notified of their selection or non-selection. Evaluation will be based on the following characteristics of leadership, service, and character:

A student who exhibits LEADERSHIP qualities:

• Junior year candidates must not exceed 8 unexcused absences in their sophomore year to be considered for admission to the NHS; Senior year candidates must not exceed 8 unexcused absences in the junior year to be considered for admission to the NHS

• students must have a minimum of 8 points from school and community activities (activities and point values are listed below)

• leads by positive example: see Character qualities below

• inspires positive behavior in others and exercises positive influence on peers by upholding school ideals

• demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities

• demonstrates reliability and dependability

• contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school

• is able to delegate responsibilities

• is a leader in the classroom, at work, and in other activities

• is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted

A student who SERVES:

• demonstrates a commitment to service (e.g. volunteering for an extended period of time with a particular organization or person as a commitment)

• must show a minimum of 10 hours of service (can be a combination of in and out of school service, must include some of each) over the two years prior

• volunteers and provides dependable and well organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance

• participates (with commitment) in some service activity in or outside of school, (outside examples: Scouts, volunteer services for the elderly or disadvantaged, religious groups) and will provide at least one letter of support from someone you has observed these service hours

• works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities

• cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school

• is willing to represent the class or school in inter-class and inter-scholastic competition

• shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, administrators, and students

A student of CHARACTER:

• cooperates by complying with all school regulations

• will not have been suspended in the two school years prior to selection

• will not have more than three discipline referrals

• continually demonstrates the highest standards of respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship

• observes and complies with instructions and rules, is punctual, and faithful both inside and outside the classroom

• takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously

• manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in all academic work, and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others

Appeals Process: If a student wishes to make an appeal after non-selection, they must do so in writing to the NHS advisor(s) within 10 calendar days of notification of non-selection.

School and Community Activities Points

School Related Activities

3 points

• JV/Varsity Athletics

• Spring Musical

• Pep Band

• Jazz Band

2 points

• Mock Trial

• Academic Team

• Team Manager

• Student Council

• Esports

• LMTI leadership camp

• RYLA summer conference

• Chorus

1 point

• Interact

• TIPA

• Dungeons and Dragons Club

• Art Club

• Green and Gold participant

• Homecoming volunteer (not a student council member)

• Prom Committee

• SOCA

• Renaissance Club

• Gold Shirt Mentor

• PEP Mentor

• Ski Club

• Anime Club

• Makerspace Club

• Peer tutor

• Prom Committee

• Psychological Research Club

• GSA

• Captain of a sports team

Non-School Related Activities • points as indicated

• Scouts • 3 points

• 4-H • 3 points

• Youth Groups • 2 points

• Part-time job • 2 points

• Club/Community Sports • 1 point

• Other - see Mrs. Collins-Cardona