There are many awards and honors available to high school students, but membership in the National Honor Society is one of the most well-known. This organization is present in all 50 states of the United States and is regarded as the “gold standard” of academic achievement.
The National Honor Society was established in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals as a way to recognize academic achievement, good character, and potential leadership. The organization’s mission is to motivate students to continue to excel academically while also giving back to their communities.
If their school has an active chapter, students in grades 10-12 are eligible to join the National Honor Society. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (or 85 percent) and be of good moral character. Students are nominated for the NHS by school principals, usually on the recommendation of the school’s NHS faculty adviser. When a student is accepted for membership, he or she is formally inducted into the society, along with all other candidates.
Every academic year, National Honor Society chapters must complete a service project of some sort in order to remain active within the national organization. Regular meetings are also held by chapters to conduct business and plan service projects. They elect officers and raise funds for the organization, just like other clubs. To remain active and members in good standing, students must maintain their grade point averages and pay their annual dues.
The ability to apply for college scholarships is a major benefit of being a member of the NHS. Being a member of the NHS is viewed as a valuable asset by most scholarship selection committees, and this student will be automatically considered for the scholarship. If their chapter advisers recommend them, the NHS also offers a scholarship to its members. Membership in the NHS, on the other hand, will make it easier for students applying for other scholarships, particularly those based on academics and service.
The National Honor Society sells jewelry, such as pendants and pins, that students can wear to show their NHS membership, but it also provides a way for students to be recognized at their graduation ceremonies. Seniors who are members of the NHS in good standing can purchase a white satin stole with the NHS emblem to wear with their graduation robes. Many NHS students also have a white tassel with the NHS emblem on their mortarboards. This ensures that students in the National Honor Society are recognized for their accomplishments and hard work even after they receive their diplomas.