FAQs
What are the benefits of being a member of NHS?
Honor, glory, and an NHS cord at graduation. Most importantly, the National Honor Society provides resources and opportunities for students to continue to grow as leaders. Joining NHS allows students to network with classmates who not only share their rigorous academic achievements but also their dedication to serving their community. Our Student Executive Board is working on opportunities for members of NHS to develop more skills and leadership traits that will help them prepare for life after high school.
NHS is possibly THE most prestigious school organization that is recognized by all colleges and Universities. An important distinction confers academic and community achievement to admission officers.
What do I need for my application?
The application addresses all four pillars of NHS (Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character).
Candidates must:
Be a sophomore, junior or senior
Attain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher if you are a junior is senior, or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher if you are a sophomore. For more information about this issue, go to the NHS Bylaws.
Participate in at least one UHS club/sport/activity
Demonstrate leadership within their school, classroom, or community
Participate in at least 2 OPHS NHS community service projects per semester
Exhibit outstanding character through their school discipline record
How do I submit my application?
Qualifying OPHS sophomores, juniors, and seniors will be sent an invitation to apply via ParentSquare to their OPHS school-issued email address. Applications will be due on August 25, 2023, by 11:59 PM. The application details will be included with the NHS invitation. The NHS invitation will be sent out no later than August. Please do not attempt to submit your application before receiving the official invitation.
How does the application process work?
The application process begins no earlier than Mid-September and ends with the induction ceremony in the first semester. Below is a rough timeline of what to expect:
August 14, 2023: Invitations for NHS applications are sent out via OPUSD.US email
August 25, 2023: NHS Applications are due
Late August/Early September: NHS Applications are reviewed by the NHS Advisory Board
September - Decision letters are emailed out; the first NHS meeting held
Late September - Induction Ceremony
I received detention once. Does that mean that I will receive an NHS membership?
Not necessarily—all applications are considered individually. When discipline records are reviewed, both severity and frequency are taken into account. In addition, the NHS application requires all applicants with a discipline record to give an explanation about the circumstances and individual growth surrounding a discipline infraction. The NHS Faculty Council reviews all NHS applicant discipline records. If you have a discipline history and you do not report it on your NHS application, you will not be considered for NHS membership.
If I am selected for membership, what do I need to do to stay in?
The requirements for membership closely mirror those of your application. You will be required to participate in 4 community service projects by the first week of May 2023. These events will be provided after the induction ceremony and will be available under the "Events" section on the NHS website page. In addition, you will be expected to demonstrate exemplary character by following school rules (a discipline that relates to academic dishonesty may result in dismissal from NHS). Finally, you must attend all NHS monthly meetings throughout the course of the year; you are allowed 2 excused absences. To have an absence excuse, you must email Jackson Hill at jhill15@opusd.us.
I was a member last year. Do I need to apply again?
Yes, NHS requires its members to quality and apply annually.
I have a question that isn’t on this list—what should I do?
First, double-check to make sure it is not answered in one of the questions above. If it is not, feel free to email our NHS Advisor, Sue Dermott at ophsnhs@opusd.org.