Membership in the National Honor Society is both an honor and a responsibility. Students selected for membership are expected to continue to demonstrate the qualities of scholarship, service, leadership and character.
- An application is available here. Deadline is Thursday, October 6.
Only active members have a voice and vote in chapter affairs. Active members become graduate members at graduation.
Students may not apply for membership in the National Honor Society. Membership is granted only to those students selected by a faculty council.
According to the constitution, only those students who have been in the school the equivalent of one semester may be considered for membership. Membership is open to qualified juniors and seniors.
Only those students who have a cumulative scholastic average of 88 percent or higher are eligible to meet the scholarship requirement for membership in the National Honor Society. These students are then considered for eligibility based on their leadership, service, and character. The following definitions are guidelines used by the faculty council to determine leadership, service and character qualities.
Leadership
The student who exercises 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 attitudes.
- Inspires positive behavior in others.
- Demonstrates academic initiative.
- Successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility, conducting business efficiently and effectively, and is reliable and dependable without prodding.
- Demonstrates leadership in the classroom, at work, and in school activities.
- Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted.
Leadership Requirements
An elective office or its equivalent in either school or outside (if outside school activity a letter of support should accompany signature). Example: elected as president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer; editor or assistant editor of a school publication; chairperson of a major activity, (i.e., prom, bloodmobile, craft fair).
Long-term participation in at least three school-sponsored organizations, clubs, or teams. (Additional, you may include community leadership experiences be sure to explain your duties and role.) School classes that receive school credit will not count for leadership.
Service
The student who serves:
- Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude.
- Participates in some outside activity: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts; church groups; volunteer services for the aged, poor, or disadvantaged; family duties.
- Volunteers dependable and well-organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance.
- Works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities.
- Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to school.
- Is willing to represent the class or school in inter-class and inter-scholastic competition.
- Does committee and staff work uncomplainingly.
- Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students.
Service Requirements
Voluntary contribution of at least a total of sixty (60) hours of time to any charity or community function, half for school/half for community. The sixty (60) hours must include more than one activity. Service projects for the club (2 each semester) are required for continued membership.
Examples of Service:
- Bloodmobile Library Aide
- School Store (non-credit)
- Religion instructor
- Church custodial work (non-paid) Red Cross volunteer
- Cancer and heart fund drives Volunteer at Senior Citizen Center
- Candy striper
Service documentation sheet must be signed by supervisor of the specified activity. Be sure phone numbers are provided. The number and name should be clear in order to allow for verification by the advisor.
You may include an email for the supervisor.
Character
The student of character:
- Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously.
- Constantly exemplifies desirable qualities of personality (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability).
- Upholds principles of morality and ethics.
- Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc.
- Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability.
- Shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others.
- Observes instructions and rules, punctuality and faithfulness, 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 to 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 and environment.
Note: You may hand out more than the two sheets provided. Be sure to follow up to be sure that forms are completed and forwarded to Mrs. Stearns. A minimum of two character references must be turned in.