1. National Honor Society
Information for
NHS Candidates

2. National Honor Society
The National Honor Society is a national organization founded to honor students who have excelled in areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

3. National Honor Society
We are looking for students who have excelled in these areas and will continue to excel in these areas.
Scholarship is a commitment to learning and doing your best work (maintaining your GPA).
Leadership is a willingness to sacrifice your own personal interests for the needs of others.
Service is a willingness to give to the school and the community through service hours and projects; five hours and three projects are required per semester.
Character is striving to make the right choices day after day.

4. National Honor Society Scholarship Guidelines
Cumulative GPA of
90 percent, A,
which is equivalent to a 3.5
(on a 4.0 scale)
*Weighted Grades will be used!

5. National Honor Society Leadership Guidelines
Is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles, and making suggestions ž
Demonstrates leadership in promoting school activities, exercises influence on peers in upholding school ideals, and organizes and motivates peers to achieve a common goal ž
Contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school ž
Is able to delegate responsibilities ž
Exemplifies positive qualities and inspires positive behavior in others ž
Demonstrates academic initiative and displays leadership in classroom, at work, and in school activities ž
Successfully holds school offices/positions of responsibility, conducts business efficiently and effectively, and is reliable and dependable without prodding ž
Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility he/she accepts

6. National Honor Society Service Guidelines
Willingness to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude ž
Participates in some Outside-of-School Service Activity
• Services may include, but are not limited to Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups, volunteer services for aged, poor, disadvantages, family duties, etc. ž
Dependable volunteer that provides well-organized assistance; is available on his/her own time and is sacrificing without compensation including grades or pay

7. National Honor Society Service Guidelines
Works well with others and is willing to take on difficulty or inconspicuous responsibilities ž
Willingness to render cheerfully and enthusiastically any requested service to the school ž
Willingness to respect his/her class or school in interclass and interscholastic competition ž
Readiness to show courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, or students

8. National Honor Society Character Guidelines
Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously ž
Constantly exemplifies desirable qualities of personality (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, & stability) ž
Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc. ž
Demonstrates highest standards of honesty and reliability shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others ž

9. National Honor Society Character Guidelines
Has powers of concentration and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies ž
Actively helps to rid the school of bad influences or environment ž
Observes instructions and rules, punctuality, and faithfulness in obligation both inside and outside of the classroom (without instances of school/civic infractions) ž
Manifests truthfulness in acknowledge obedience of rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistake of others (no discipline file, suspensions, or criminal record)

10. National Honor Society
Candidates Tab
Candidate Form
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11. Completing the Candidate Form
Page 1-2: Candidate Information & Signature
Fill in all pertinent information: Name, Address, Phone Number, and Address.
Review National Honor Society Selection Guidelines and Membership Responsibilities.
• Complete required signatures Parent/Guardian and Student Candidate.
• Print name as you wish it to appear on Membership Certificate.

12. Completing the Candidate Form
Page 3: Candidate Essay
• Construct an essay explaining how you see yourself as a leader.
• Provide information that you feel was not addressed on the Community Service Form and School Activity Form but is important to your submission.
• This essay of clarification may contain information on any aspect of your background such as family hardships, school transfers that may have limited your involvements in school or community activities/ services, or may be used to further clarify how you meet the National Honor Society criteria of Service, Character, and Leadership.

13. Completing the Candidate Form
Page 4: Resume
Complete a resume that includes your name, work history, and extracurricular activities.

14. Completing the Candidate Form
Page 5 – 6: Community Service &
School Activity Forms
• All service and leadership hours are those accrued commencing with freshmen year of high school.
• Service to school is a requirement to be considered for acceptance into National Honor Society.
• Each service activity must have a representative’s signature to verify your participation. Service activities that do not bear a representative’s signature will not be considered. Family members are not eligible for references.
• List all elected/appointed leadership positions held in school.

15. Completing the Candidate Form
Page 7: Teacher Recommendation Forms
• Complete and submit a minimum of two signatures from teachers that support your entrance into NHS.
Provide an envelope to each teacher; each teacher must fill out the form and put it in the sealed envelope and return it to you to be placed in your folder.
• Family members, coaches, and club advisors are not eligible as a reference.
If you have taken two Honors/Pre – AP or AP Courses, please use recommendations from those teachers.

16. Completing the Candidate Form
Page 8: Discipline Office Form
Complete the top portion with your name & student ID.
Print out the form.
Submit the form to Mrs. Hobby in the Discipline Office.
Mrs. Hobby will fill out the form, and you will need to pick it back up and submit it with the Candidate Form.

17. Compiling Your Application
Place your application in a manila folder!
Do NOT write your name on the folder tab; I will be making labels with your name and student ID for the folder.
Do NOT interrupt my class to drop off your folder; this should be done before or after school or during third block which is my Planning Period.
Don’t wait until the last minute to turn in your materials!

19. IMPORTANT DATES Preliminary Candidate Forms Due (3 wks)
• Friday, February 20, 2015 to
Mrs. Spence (Rm# 337) by 3:30 p.m.
• Late applications will NOT be accepted.
*Help Session
*Collect & Review Preliminary Candidate Forms for Completeness
*Return Candidate Forms for Revision/
Due in 3 Days

20. IMPORTANT DATES Applications Reviewed by the Faculty Council
• Week of February 23
Acceptance/Denial Letter
• Week of March 9; letters will be delivered to you via your homeroom teacher
Appeals Process
Must be registered with adviser within 10 school days
of notification of non-selection