What is the National Honor Society?
There are many awards and honors available to high school students, but one of the most recognized is membership in the National Honor Society. This organization is established in high schools in all 50 states of the US and is considered the “gold standard” of academic achievement. The National Honor Society was founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals as a means of honoring academic achievement, good character and leadership potential. The organization seeks to inspire students to continue to excel academically, and also to render service in their communities. Students in grades 10-12 are eligible for membership in the National Honor Society if their school has an active chapter. The students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average (or 85 percent) and should be of good character. School principals nominate students for the NHS, usually on the recommendation of the NHS faculty adviser for the school. When the student is accepted for membership
The National Honor Society (NHS) is a fellowship of students who exhibit the ideals of: • Scholarship • Character • Service • Leadership The national organization was founded in 1921 with the objective of creating an organization that would recognize and encourage academic achievement while developing other characteristics essential to citizens in a democracy. The National Honor Society has established a reputation for excellence among administrators, faculty members, students, parents, and residents of the school community. This reputation is the result of years of commitment on the part of everyone involved. Membership is both an honor and a commitment. Selection to National Honor Society is just the beginning. Membership and participation by students in the local chapter maintain and extend the qualities that won them selection.
The School’s chapter of Kappa Tau Alpha, the national society honoring scholarship in journalism and mass communication, was founded in 1936 and is named for former director Leslie G. Moeller. Students are considered for membership if their grade-point average places them in the top 10 percent of their class and they have complete at least five semesters of University work, including a minimum of 9 s.h. in journalism and mass communications skill courses. Contact the school’s Kappa Tau Alpha adviser for details.
