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 for 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 information packet given to them, including essay and required 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:

• will maintain a maximum of 10 unexcused absences for Junior candidates and 15 unexcused absences for Senior candidates

  • RLA (Remote Learning Absences) are considered unexcused absences for the selection process

• 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

• successfully holds offices or positions of responsibility

• conducts business effectively and efficiently

• demonstrates reliability and dependability

• is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles, and making suggestions

• contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school

• is able to delegate responsibilities

• demonstrates academic initiative

• is a leader in the classroom, at work, and in other school or community 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 qualifies as a commitment)

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

• participates (with commitment) in some activity outside of school, for example: Scouts, volunteer services for the elderly or disadvantaged, religious groups and will provide required letters of support from authorities in these outside organizations

• 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

• does committee and staff work without complaint

• mentors persons in the community or students at other schools

• 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

• upholds principles of morality and ethics

• demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability

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

• demonstrates self-discipline through perseverance and applications to studies

• 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.