For many students, selection as a member of the National Honor Society is the pinnacle of their achievements in school. This honor, recognized throughout the nation, is both the public recognition of accomplishment and the private commitment to continued excellence on the part of the new member.
Selection to the NHS is a privilege, not a right. Membership is granted only to those students selected by the NHS Selection Committee. Students are selected according to the following criteria:
SCHOLARSHIP
NHS students have and will maintain a cumulative grade point average of 90.00 or higher and a weighted grade point average of 100.00.
Everyday Scholarship is a commitment to learning and growing on an educational path. It means making the most of the educational opportunities provided and seeking out learning, not only in school or in similar settings but also personally. Everyday Scholarship requires effort. More importantly, it stems from a desire to contribute to this world in a positive way by building on one’s own knowledge, skills, and talent through different experiences.
LEADERSHIP
NHS students are leaders who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life.
Everyday Leadership builds on Everyday Service. Service and leadership oftentimes look very similar. Everyday Leadership is carrying oneself with dignity and taking ownership and responsibility for one’s own actions and participation. Being a public speaker, playing quarterback, or having an official title is not required for Everyday Leadership. Everyday Leadership means being an agent—someone who takes action and responsibility—of your own pathway.
SERVICE
NHS students voluntarily contribute to his or her school and community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit.
Everyday Service is seeking out and engaging in meaningful service, not simply doing acts of service to fulfill a school, district, or program requirement, or to collect hours. Although hours are important, Everyday Service is seeing a need and fulfilling it voluntarily. Sometimes it’s driven by a passion for a specific cause or people in need. Other times, it’s driven by personal or family needs, like taking care of siblings or other family members or maybe even working part-time to help with family finances.
CHARACTER
NHS students uphold principles of morality and ethics, are cooperative, demonstrate high standards of honesty and reliability, show courtesy, concern, and respect for others.
Everyday Character is valuing diverse cultures and building relationships that reflect the love of self but also a concern for others. There are endless attributes to good character: perseverance, respect, integrity, honesty, sacrifice—the list goes on. A good and noble character is a high calling. Oftentimes we don’t “see” character unless there is a public display of self-sacrifice, or more often, a very public mistake. Everyday Character is not about praiseworthy or blameworthy behavior but the personal commitment to ethical and compassionate decision-making that affects oneself and others.
Candidate Information Form : This form should be completed by the student after receiving an invitation noting that they have fulfilled the Scholarship Criteria.