NHS 2026 Candidates

2026 NHS Candidate Process opens in January.    

Who may submit a candidate packet/recommendation request for selection?

• EHS sophomores and juniors with a 3.5 or higher cumulative weighted GPA after 1st semester are invited to submit a candidate packet for the selection process.  Eligible students receive an email invitation with details. Freshmen and seniors are not eligible for selection. 

• Selection for EHS National Honor Society is based on the additional three NHS pillars of Leadership, Character, and Service. 

Timeline 

Candidates must complete two forms to be considered for selection.  

NHS Information AcLab will be Tuesday 1/20/26 during Aclab2 in the Large Theater (Lindemann & Williams) to review how to fill out the forms. 

1. Faculty Recommendation Request DUE January 23, 2026 at 9 PM

2. Candidate Information form DUE January 30, 2026 at 9 PM

Students who do not submit both forms on time will not be considered. No exceptions. 

Students, when each form is submitted you will receive a confirmation email. This serves as your receipt that the form was submitted. You will receive the confirmation email for each form. If you do not receive a confirmation, then you need to resubmit the form. See an advisor before the deadline if you have any questions. 

Form 1: Faculty Recommendation Request Form DEADLINE 1/23/26 at 9 pm.

• • • 5 EHS teachers (+ email addresses) who will score you in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character shown in the classroom or during extracurricular activities.  Recommenders will score you between 0-4 in each category. 

      • At least 3 of these must be teachers.  

      • All recommenders must have worked with you in high school at EHS. 

Please do the following: 

• • • • Contact each faculty member and ask if they will be willing to complete a recommendation form for NHS on your behalf. 

      • It is your responsibility to give them a list of your service activities and leadership roles to help your teachers complete your recommendation accurately. 

• • We will send a google recommendation form to each of these faculty members after you submit your packet.  They do NOT need to write a letter.

  • Recommendation scores will be averaged and count for 50% of your score. 

Form 2: Candidate Information Form DEADLINE 1/30/26 at 9 pm. 

• • Please list your leadership roles, service experiences, other community/school experiences, work, and honors/recognitions. You will need to include a description, number of hours served, dates of service, and an adult supervisor for each listing. The information should address evidence of your leadership, character, and service in high school. 

  • There is a written response portion. Provide a well written, thoughtful, quality response. 

• Review the Candidate Information Rubric here. 

• Tips

  • • Limit yourself to examples from your high school years. 

    • Include specific details and examples to allow the faculty committee to learn as much about your efforts as possible. Faculty members can only score your packet from information that you include.  

    • Your goal is to detail your accomplishments in the areas of service and leadership, as well as provide specific examples of your character.

    • Candidate information forms are scored by the Faculty Committee and count for 50% of your score. 

How are candidates selected?

• Candidate packets and recommendations will be reviewed and scored by the Faculty Committee. 

• The Faculty Committee makes the final determination based on Candidate packet score and recommendation scores.  Advisers are non-voting members on the committee.  

• The Faculty Committee uses the Candidate Information Rubric for selection purposes. The Faculty Committee carefully considers each candidate and reaches a consensus on the total rubric score. The decision of the Committee shall be determined by a majority vote. 

• Both selected and non-selected candidates will be notified of the results.  Your selection to NHS is based on the information provided and per NHS bylaws must meet or exceed a 3.6 out of 4 average score of candidate information form and teacher recommendations. 

• Candidates must demonstrate outstanding principles of leadership, character, and commitment to their school and community based on their service in multiple areas. While many students who apply exhibit these qualities, the Faculty Committee focuses on students who go above and beyond the norm. 

Please Note

• You will receive email confirmations of BOTH the Candidate Packet form AND the Faculty Recommendation Request form-- these are your receipts. 

• If you do not receive confirmation emails (check spam), you need to resubmit the form.  

• No late submissions will be accepted under any circumstances.  Please plan accordingly.

• If you have any questions at all, please see an adviser [Mrs. Lindemann in A221 or Mrs. Williams in the counseling office] BEFORE the deadline. 

All NHS members in good standing must

• Maintain a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher. 

• Be an active and participating member by serving a minimum of 15 annual community service hours (including 5 hours of tutoring) and mandatory activities.

• Maintain outstanding behavior and character reflective of a leader in accordance with the 4 pillars of NHS. 

• Stay current on yearly dues.