FAQs

1. When does selection into NHS occur?

Nominations will go out in the early spring of junior year.  Induction is held in the end of April or in May.

2. How are students evaluated for entrance into NHS?

Students are invited to submit an application based on their weighted GPA of 93 or higher and a minimum of 15 community service hours.  After an application is submitted,  full faculty feedback is  considered via the Maine Guiding Principles, which cover the following criteria:  

• Takes responsibility for class work by handing it on time and communicating with the teacher

• Comes to class prepared to learn

• Demonstrates concern and respect for others

• Models responsible and involved citizenship at KHS

• Receptive to criticism and willing to learn from it

• Exhibits academic curiosity and critical thinking

• Exhibits integrity

• Potential for growth

Teachers provide their overall recommendation on a 4-point scale:  

• Enthusiastically Recommend

• Recommend 

• Recommend with Reservation 

• Do Not Recommend 

The applications and faculty evaluations are then forwarded to the Faculty Council which makes the final determination.

*In addition, students must have completed all coursework to apply.   Any incompletes will be a disqualifying factor. 

3.  Is there a community service requirement?

Yes.  Applicants need a minimum of 15 hours of community service to be logged with guidance to qualify.

4. Who is on the Faculty Council?

The Faculty Council is made up on one member from each department and the three guidance counselors, who provide feedback but do not vote.  The individual faculty members of the Council, however, are confidential to protect the integrity of their vote.

5. Are the applications anonymous?

No, nor should they be as there is identifying information about students on their resumes.  The Faculty Council discusses each student's qualifications based on the NHS pillars of scholarship, service, character, and leadership.

6. How are these qualities judged?

It is up to students to present themselves honestly by highlighting their service and leadership.  Decisions are not based solely on the number of activities or titles a student holds but also on the passion, commitment, and responsibility one has shown in his or her service or school activities.  This includes their academic curiosity, engagement, and integrity. Character and leadership are demonstrated not simply through participation but through the role modeling students provide for others both in the classroom and in the community.   Faculty feedback helps the Council evaluate this, but so, too, does a student's application, which may include an optional letter of recommendation that speaks to the student's character or leadership or an optional essay where a student describes his or her passions or challenges. 

7. What if a student does not get chosen to be in NHS and wants to appeal the decision?

A student may appeal in writing to the advisor and principal, who will then meet with the student (and parents) to discuss their concerns.  If it is deemed appropriate for the student to provide additional information, the Faculty Council may be re-convened and the student will be re-evaluated in light of the new information provided.  All appeals must take place within one week of non-selection notification.  An appeal does not guarantee selection.  

8. Can a student be asked to step down from NHS?

Yes.  According to the Altus Marus Chapter By-Laws, a student must maintain honor roll status and must not engage in any behavior requiring disciplinary action.  They also must be active participants in NHS, attending meetings and participating in our teaching assistant, tutoring, or other service projects.