National Honor Society
In 1921, the NASSP officially established the National Honor Society. Though many local and regional honor societies existed prior to 1921, no nationwide organization had been founded. Under the leadership of Dr. Edward Rynearson, principal of the Fifth Avenue High School , Pittsburgh , Pa. , and the organization grew from the original Alpha Chapter at the Fifth Avenue School to more than 1,000 chapters by 1930. Equipped with a constitution, an emblem and motto, and a group of dedicated principals as coordinators, the new NHS organization quickly developed into one of the country's leading educational groups.
Four main purposes have guided chapters of NHS from the beginning: "To create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools." (From the NHS Constitution) These purposes also translate into the criteria used for membership selection in each local chapter.
Selection Criteria
NHS is more than just an honor roll. The NHS chapter establishes rules for membership that are based upon a student's outstanding performance in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These four criteria for selection form the foundation upon which the organization and its activities are built. Any student in grades 10 through 12 is eligible for consideration for membership in the National Honor Society. All membership selection is handled through the 5 member faculty council.
Scholarship : Students, who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or equivalent standard of excellence, meet the scholarship requirement for membership. These students are then eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership, and character.
Service: This by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit.
Leadership: Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activity while working with or for others.
Character: The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern and respect for others and generally maintains a good and clean lifestyle.
Membership
Once selected by the local selection committee, known as the Faculty Council, a student is awarded membership in the local chapter at a special induction ceremony. With induction, a member assumes certain obligations. The chapter must conduct a service project for the school or community, and see to the development of an individual service project for each member.
Chapters may choose to sponsor fundraising projects or involve themselves with the school to reach the chapter's goals established to encourage scholarship, promote leadership and service, and build character. In addition, regular meetings of the chapter are to be held to conduct chapter business and communicate with members. All active NHS chapter members are expected to support these and other chapter activities.
Meetings are Wednesday mornings at 7:00 am . At these mandatory sessions plans are discussed regarding group projects, tutoring requests, and service opportunities. In addition, officers meet on Tuesday mornings to set meeting agendas and handle other business.
What we do
Members are expected to uphold the same standards of Leadership, Service, Character, and Scholarship required for selection. NHS is primarily a service organization and each member is required to perform 10 hours of community service each semester. In addition, the entire group must be involved in planning and performing group service projects (9 hours). In the past this has taken many forms: collecting goods and clothing for Salvation Army, assisting in a Habitat for Humanity and Summer in the City project, packing food and gifts for Goodfellows, and raising money for Children’s Hospital of Michigan , STARS, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Students have even tutored children at local elementary schools. This list represents only a small sampling of the service rendered by NHS members.
Tips for Selection
The faculty council evaluated prospective members on the basis of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
Scholarship- At the time of selection, your scholarship has already been determined by your grade point. The faculty council only knows that you have met the minimum requirements. It is irrelevant whether your GPA is 3.30, or 4.00.
Character- Students are presumed to have exemplary character unless it is exhibited otherwise. Teachers comment on the students work habits and attitude in the classroom. Most responses range from favorable to enthusiastic. Remarks often include courtesy, enthusiasm, generosity, work ethic, dependability, and honesty. It is extremely unlikely that a single negative comment would eliminate the student's chances of selection unless that comment includes verifiable evidence of a flagrant disregard for rules or the rights of others.
Leadership- Holding office in a club or other organization helps here, but these positions are few. Students must recognize other areas where they exhibit leadership. NHS members must be active leaders who take charge of activities and lead others. Make yourself known to teachers as a student on whom they can depend, and who will not wait for things to be done for you. Helping classmates, volunteering in class and out, being a positive influence on peers can really help here. NHS needs those willing to step forward and take charge of things.
Service : Qualified candidates must be already committed to service. The faculty council looks for students who perform service throughout the year, not just at holiday time. These are examples of service performed by NHS members together and on their own.
- volunteer work of any kind- at hospitals or nursing homes or nursery schools
- coaching younger children
- helping neighbors with housework or lawn work
- tutoring peers or younger children
- assisting at elementary schools with special activities
- visiting shut-ins
- free baby-sitting
- Students can include anything they do freely for others who are not family members.