Requirements

This chapter operates under the direction of the National Constitution of NHS and remains an active member of the state association by paying annual dues and participating in state functions when possible. Annual fees for membership are $20.

Our chapter of NHS maintains policies and practices that are designed to prevent discrimination against any qualified candidate or member on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability. This policy of nondiscrimination applies to all practices, including the chapter administration and the selection, discipline, and dismissal of members.

Membership in this chapter is an honor bestowed upon deserving students by the faculty and shall be based on the criteria of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

Membership is by invitation only, so who gets invited to apply for membership?

• Members of the junior and senior class (eligible students will be invited to apply at the end of their sophomore and junior years)

• Candidates must have been enrolled for a period equivalent to one semester at Sumter High School.

• Candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.9 on a weighted 5 point scale.

• Candidates shall then submit a formal application to demonstrate their service, leadership, and character qualities

The Faculty Advisory Council (F.A.C.) is a group of five faculty members appointed by the principal who view the applications and select new members by a majority vote. The chapter advisor is the sixth member of the council but doesn’t have a vote for member selection.

New members are invited to apply once a year during the Spring semester of the school year.

Prior to the final selection, the following shall occur:

• Students’ academic records are reviewed at the beginning of the 4th quarter to determine scholastic eligibility.

• All students who are eligible scholastically (i.e., candidates) shall be notified and asked to complete and submit the candidate application.

• The F.A.C. evaluates candidates determined to be scholastically eligible.

• The F.A.C. reviews the candidate information forms, faculty input, and other relevant information to determine those who fully meet the selection criteria for membership. 

Candidates become members when inducted at a special ceremony held during the Fall semester after they have submitted their application.

OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS

• Pay the annual club dues.

• Submit an annual membership agreement.

• Chapter members who are seniors in good standing shall be granted the privilege of wearing the honor cords at graduation. 

OFFICERS

The officers of the chapter shall be president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Options for additional officers will be historian and parliamentarian.

Regular monthly meetings presided over by the officers are conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order.Members are expected to attend all chapter meetings, but miss no more than two meetings for the year.

ACTIVITIES

The chapter plans and implements at least two club sponsored service projects each year. All members are expected to regularly participate in these projects.

Maintain a grade point average of 3.9 (weighted)

Members who fail to maintain a 3.9 weighted GPA will be placed on probation for one semester. If the GPA is not restored to a 3.9 by the end of the probationary period, a hearing before the faculty council will be scheduled.

Must not miss more than two monthly meetings during the school year

We will be meeting once in the afternoon each month. Students are required to attend these two monthly meetings. Any excuses should be brought to the advisorwithin two days of the absence.

Pay the dues of $20 and return a membership agreement by the announced deadline.

Dues are necessary to pay the national charter fees for National Honor Society. We are a local chapter of a club.

Members must complete a total of 19 service hours per semester.

Members who fail to fulfill the service requirements will be placed on probation for one month from the due date.  If unfulfilled obligations are still outstanding at that time, a hearing before the Faculty Council will be scheduled. Seniors during the spring semester will not have an opportunity to correct their missing service hours and will not receive cords or recognition at graduation.

5 School Service Hours

These service hours are per semester and should be completed by serving a teacher or a school in Sumter School District.

2 Club Service Hours

These service hours are per semester and are hours that are for National Honor Society events.

12 General Community Service Hours

These service hours are per semester and are hours that do not fall under the other two categories.  

Members MUST attend the Induction Ceremony.

The Induction Ceremony will be held in October to welcome new members into the Sumter High School Chapter of National Honor Society.  It is our job to welcome them to our club.