National Honor Society

SCHOLARSHIP

Students are eligible to apply for NHS membership if they demonstrate academic achievement through their grade point average.

Junior Year Induction GPA Requirement:  A cumulative grade of 90% or higher in core classes must be earned during freshman and sophomore years.

 Senior Year Induction GPA Requirement:  A cumulative grade of 90% or higher in core classes must be earned during freshman, sophomore, and junior years.

 Grade point average will not be rounded to meet the minimum requirement.

LEADERSHIP

According to the National Honor Society standards, the student who exercises leadership: 

- demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities
- exercises influence on peers in upholding school ideals
- contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school
- exemplifies positive attitudes and inspires positive behavior in others
- holds school offices or positions of responsibility; and demonstrates reliability and dependability
- is a leader at work and in school or community activities
- is dependable in any responsibility accepted
- is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude.

SERVICE

 The National Honor Society standards require that a student:

- volunteers and is dependable, is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance

- works well with others and is willing to take on various responsibilities

- cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school

- is willing to represent the class or school in inter-class and inter-scholastic competition

- participates in some activity outside of school: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, youth groups affiliated with religious institutions,

- volunteer services for their community

- mentors persons in the community or students at school

- shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students

The THS chapter of the NHS requires members to participate in a variety of THS activities but also to serve the greater community outside of the school. 

Junior Year Induction:  Eligible students need to earn at least 32 THS activity points in grades 9-10 and complete at least 10 hours of service in non-compensated activities outside of school. 

 Senior Year Induction: Eligible students need to earn at least 32 THS activity points in grades 9-11 and complete at least 15 hours of service in non-compensated activities outside of school. 

THS activity points are awarded to students according to the time spent participating in various activities: No more than four points will be awarded per academic year for any one sport or activity.   Members of music groups will receive points based on how many activities they participate in, awards earned, and if leadership positions are held.  Membership in school clubs earns points based on years involved, and offices held.

THS activity points can be earned through activities such as: 

- athletic team member or manager (2-4 points per year)
- choir, camerata, band, or instrumental ensemble (1-4 points per year)
- school clubs or officer in club (2 points per year) 

Please note that these point values are approximate.  Actual point values may vary according to an individual’s time commitment to an activity or sport. 

CHARACTER

 Each eligible student will be evaluated by the faculty and administration according to the National Honor Society standards for good character, which state the student of character:

- takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously
- consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (honesty, friendliness, poise, stability)
- upholds principles of morality and ethics
- cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, classes etc.
- demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability
- shows courtesy, concern and respect for others; observes instructions and rules
- exhibits concentration and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies
- manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in written work

Character will automatically be questioned by events leading to suspension from school, consistent lateness, cheating, or other offenses brought forth by a member of the faculty or administration.  If someone deems a student's character not sufficient, that opinion will be discussed with the student's current teachers, principal, or dean



APPLICATION AND MEMBERSHIP

Eligible sophomores and juniors receive invitations to attend an informational meeting each April. They are responsible for completing an application, obtaining a letter of recommendation, and documenting their service/activity hours.

THS teachers are asked to score each applicant in the areas of leadership, service, and character. The Faculty Selection Committee will evaluate the applications and requirements of scholarship, leadership, service, and character for each eligible candidate.  Final selection of the National Honor Society is the responsibility of the Faculty Selection Committee.

All National Honor Society members are expected to maintain membership requirements of the National Honor Society, including GPA, and to take part in National Honor Society service projects.  The National Honor Society Advisors may dismiss any member failing to fulfill these obligations.  Dismissal will result in the removal of the NHS designation from school records