About NHS

NHS is more than just an honor roll. The NHS chapter establishes rules for membership, service, leadership, and character. These four criteria for selection form the foundation upon which the organization and its activities are built.

Selection to NHS first involves the identification of a candidate by the criteria listed below. Candidates are usually notified of eligibility in September. From there, candidates are required to fill out an application to be reviewed by the selection committee. Candidates are then informed of their selection in October. The induction ceremony follows in late October or early November before the November membership meeting.

Selection Criteria:

Scholarship
Students must meet a cumulative GPA that is determined by the faculty advisers of NHS. More information on GPA requirements may be obtained from an adviser. These students are then eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership, and character. A National Honor Society member who falls below this GPA at the end of any semester will be placed on probation. A member whose cumulative GPA is still below the requirements at the end of the following semester will be considered for dismissal from the Society.

Service
This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit.

Service is an important part of membership in the National Honor Society. Each semester, members are required to complete 10 hours of service according to their pre-approved contract.

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.

Students who meet the above criteria are encouraged to submit an application to the society. The Faculty Council of SMAHS will use the information gathered from the Student application, as well as information gathered from the student’s attendance and disciplinary records at SMAHS, to select new members of the NHS.