Becoming+a+Member

National Honor Society is a special honor accorded to juniors or seniors who have earned a 3.50 or higher cumulative grade point average and have also demonstrated exceptional qualities of leadership, character, and service to school and community. These criteria are set on a national level and our local chapter must abide by them.

Membership is nationally recognized as an honor because the selection criteria and procedure are similar across the country. Election to membership means that students may list their membership on college and scholarship applications, job applications, and personal resumes now and in the future. It will give them special recognition. Membership also carries with it the added responsibility of continued service. Once inducted, members must document at least 30 hours of service to the school or community before graduation. NHS will be planning and carrying out several school and community service projects during the school year. NHS members will be responsible for deciding on projects and implementing an action plan. Membership is, of course, optional. Students who would like to be considered for induction into National Honor Society need to submit evidence of their leadership, service and character.Students who are eligible to apply based on their grade point average will be sent a letter and application for membership in the fall. Students interested in membership in the National Honor Society must submit their application to the faculty advisor. A committee of faculty members will evaluate the applications submitted. These applications will be considered by the National Honor Society Faculty Councilwhich makes the actual selection on the basis of leadership, character, service, and scholarship. Those students who have provided evidence of leadership, character, and service will be inducted into National Honor Society. Students are asked to fill out the application which accompanies the letter, which asks that they list all **co-curricular activities** (clubs, teams, musical groups, etc.) in which they have participated during high school and major accomplishments in each. In addition, they are asked to list **all elected or appointed leadership positions** held in school, community, or work activities where they were directly responsible for directing or motivating others. For example, elected student body, class, or club officer; committee chairperson; team captain; newspaper editor; work area manager; or community leader. Finally, they are asked to write a one paragraph **personal statement** supporting their nomination.
 * Work Experience, Recognition and Awards**: Students are also asked to list any job experiences, honors, or recognitions they have received which support your bid to be selected for membership in the National Honor Society. Work experience may be paid or volunteer.

**This year's application will be due to** Mrs. Mulligan**, the National Honor Society advisor by Friday, October 9, 2009 before 3:00 p.m.**
The student who serves: The student who exercises leadership: The student of character:
 * Participates in some outside activity: Girl Scouts; Boy Scouts; church groups; volunteer services for the aged, poor, or disadvantaged; family duties.
 * Volunteers dependable and well-organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance.
 * Works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous 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.
 * Does committee and staff work readily and with enthusiasm.
 * Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students.
 * Mentors persons in the community or students at other schools.
 * Is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles, and making suggestions.
 * Demonstrates leadership in promoting school activities.
 * Exercises influence on peers in upholding school ideals.
 * Contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school.
 * Is able to delegate responsibilities.
 * Exemplifies positive attitudes.
 * Inspires positive behavior in others.
 * Demonstrates academic initiative.
 * Successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility, conducts business efficiently and effectively, and is reliable and dependable without prodding.
 * Demonstrates leadership in the classroom, at work, and in school activities.
 * Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted.
 * Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude.
 * Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously.
 * Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of personality (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability).
 * Upholds principles of morality and ethics.
 * Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc.
 * Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability.
 * Shows courtesy, concern and respect for others.
 * Observes instructions and rules, punctuality, and faithfulness both inside and outside of the classroom.
 * Has powers of concentration and sustained attention as shown by perseveranceand application to studies.
 * Manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others.
 * Actively helps to rid the school of bad influences or environment.