The National Honor Society
The National Honor Society (NHS) is a premier organization of high school students in the United States that was established to recognize excellence in students. But more than just being an honor roll, The National Honor Society serves to encourage students to go beyond academics and excel in the areas of leadership, community service, and character building. Chapters can be found in all 50 states, with membership reaching a million students. It was founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and under the leadership of Dr. Edward Rynearson, the organization quickly grew from the original Alpha Chapter at Fifth Avenue High School in Pittsburgh, of which Dr. Rynearson was principal, to more than 1,000 chapters by 1930.
To become a member, one must be a high school student in the United States exemplifying the four pillars of the National Honor Society, which are: character, leadership, scholarship, and service. While each chapter may sometimes have differing qualifications, all chapters require students to meet the following minimum criteria: a cumulative grade point average of 85%, B, 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent; a certain number of volunteer hours; a record of good behavior in school; and a leadership role in school or community. Aside from this bare minimum, members are expected to attend chapter meetings, participate in service projects benefiting their school or community, and fulfill any other obligations required of them by their chapter’s by-laws.
The National Honor Society motto is noblesse oblige, which is French for “nobility obligates.” In simple terms, it means that nobility carries with it the responsibility of being noble, or of doing noble things. It means conducting oneself in the fashion that conforms to one’s position and reputation. And because the National Honor Society is an organization held in high regard, with its members considered to be the best among the best in the country, National Honor Society members are expected to act according to this lofty standards, and meet the same excellence which are expected of them. To act otherwise is to repudiate the organization’s spirit.
The National Honor Society also offers college scholarships to exemplary members. Since 1946, it has given out more than $12 million in scholarship grants. This scholarship is supported by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Any eligible senior National Honor Society member who is in good standing with their chapter may apply. Applicants will be evaluated based on their performance exemplifying the four pillars of the organization. Financial need will be taken into consideration as well. Among the applicants, 300 will be chosen to receive $1,500 each, while 25 will receive $3,000 each (with an additional $1,500 added to the national semifinalist award), and one will earn the distinction of being the national winner with an award of $15,500 plus $12,500 to the national finalist award.
The National Honor Society can also be found in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many US territories, Canada, and parts of Asia. Pakistan also has three schools with an active chapter. Chapters can also be found in international schools and American schools throughout the world. Simply put, it is one the largest active high school organizations in the world driving academic excellence, leadership growth, character development, and service in the spirit of cooperation. Annual gathering of student leaders are held during National Student Leadership Week. Leadership Experience and Development (LEAD) conferences are also held every weekend, designed to encourage peer-to-peer networking and leadership training. There are also state summits that offer members a one-day opportunity to cultivate leadership and empower them on a wide range of issues. Best of all, members get access to the National Student Project Database, a database of submitted project ideas for different service activities.