National Honor Society

The National Honor Society is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in this organization since it began in 1921.

Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS and NJHS. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

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.

NHS is sponsored and supervised by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

NHS serves the school community by providing tutoring for fellow students, help for teachers, and staffing for events.

CRITERIA
MEMBERSHIP TIMELINE

CRITERIA

Sophomore students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher after first semester receive an invitation letter to join our chapter. The formal Induction Ceremony is held in May.

Scholarship – includes a minimum 3.6 cumulative GPA and means a commitment to learning that continues when formal education has ended. Learning furnishes the lamp by which we read the past and illuminate the future.
Service – is defined as voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, without direct financial or material compensation to the individual performing the service. There is an expectation of service obligations once a student is selected as a member.
Leadership - Students demonstrate leadership qualities by seeking out and opportunities to serve our school community.
Character - The student of good character can be said to be one who upholds principles of morality and ethics; is cooperative and responsible; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and is a good citizen.

MEMBERSHIP TIMELINE

During the spring of their sophomore year, students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.6+ after first semester are invited to join the AMHS Chapter of the National Honor Society.
Induction of sophomores and any newly qualified juniors takes place in May.
At the end of each school year, email letters are sent to juniors who did not submit their service hour forms. Students are asked to choose from 3 options: 1. Turn in my form this summer, 2. Do 20 hours of service my senior year, 3. Opt out of NHS.
In the fall of their senior year, the adviser will meet with students who no longer meet the 3.6 GPA to discuss their options.
After first semester grades are posted, cumulative GPA’s of seniors are once again reviewed. Non-qualifying students are informed that they will not be recognized as an NHS member at graduation.
After first semester grades are posted, newly qualified seniors will be invited to join NHS. They will be required to perform 5 service hours before the end of the year.
Senior members order graduation stoles in the spring. (Refunds will be given to any student who fails to complete service hours). Loaner stoles are available upon request.
Service hours must be submitted before senior finals. (Juniors may submit forms through the end of the school year).
To wear the NHS stole and be recognized at graduation, seniors must:

Have a 3.6+ cumulative GPA
Submit paperwork documenting required service hours
Receive approval from the Administration/Faculty regarding character

10. Stoles are distributed as graduates line up for commencement.

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National Honor Society

CRITERIA

MEMBERSHIP TIMELINE