National Honor Society
The National Honor Society is an organization founded to honor students who have excelled in the areas of leadership, scholarship, service and character. Students applying for membership in the NHS cannot be discriminated against because of race, gender, ethnicity, political persuasion, socioeconomic background, disability, rumor or any other characteristic unrelated to the criteria for selection of the NHS. To be eligible as a junior, a student must attain a 93.0 or better average (not rounded) for five semesters. To be eligible as a senior, a student must attain a 93.0 or better average (not rounded) for six semesters. Faculty nominations and data forms completed by prospective members are reviewed by a faculty committee that selects students to be honored. Following induction, members are required to maintain the standards of the organization and act as models of behavior for the student body. Members are subject to all National Honor Society rules and regulations. An organization service program and an individual service program are requirements of membership.
Guidelines
Scholarship:
A 93.0 or better average must be attained through the end of the first semester of the junior year in all subjects.
Character:
Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously; constantly exemplifies desirable qualities of personality (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability); cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc.; demonstrates highest standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern and respect for others; observes instructions and rules, punctuality and faithfulness in obligations both inside and outside of the classroom; has powers of concentration and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies; manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience of rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others; actively helps to rid the school of bad influences or environment.
Leadership:
Is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles and making suggestions; demonstrates leadership in promoting school activities; exercises influence on peers in upholding school ideals; contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school; is able to delegate responsibilities; exemplifies positive qualities; inspires positive behavior in others; demonstrates academic initiative; successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility, conducts business effectively and efficiently, and is reliable and dependable without prodding; demonstrates leadership in the classroom, at work and in school activities; is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility he/she accepts.
Service:
Willingness to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude; participates in some outside activity; Girl Scouts; Boy Scouts; church groups, volunteer services for aged, poor, disadvantaged; family duties; volunteers dependable and well-organized assistance, is available on his own time and is sacrificing; works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities; willingness to render cheerfully and enthusiastically any requested service to the school; willingness to represent his/her class or school in interclass or interscholastic competition; willingness to do committee and staff work; readiness to show courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers and students.
Selection Process
- The Principal will appoint five members of the faculty to serve on a selection committee. The advisor is an ex-officio member of the committee.
- The committee will select junior candidates who have achieved a grade average of 93.0 or higher (not rounded) for five semesters and senior candidates who have achieved a grade average of 93.0 or higher (not rounded) for six semesters.
- Students who have qualified with a 93.0 or above average will be notified in writing that they will be considered for membership if they comply with the requirements of leadership, character, and service. Students must provide a completed activity form giving references to attest to their merit in the areas of leadership, character, and service.
- The high school staff will be provided with a list of nominees and also a description of criteria which members must meet. Staff will nominate individuals in each of the three categories.
- Staff nominations and student activity forms will be collected and compiled by the National Honor Society advisor who will then preside at meetings of the selection committee. Additional information from report cards, student behavioral records, and permanent record cards will also be considered.
- Upon receipt of the list of accepted members, the Principal will send parents and students a letter of congratulations and notification of necessity of participation in an induction ceremony. Those students who have not been selected must be notified and informed of the grounds for appeal and deadlines.
