National Honor Society (NHS)

Samuel Clemens High School

The National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are the nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school and middle-level students. More than just an honor roll, NHS and NJHS serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character (and Citizenship for NJHS). These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginnings in 1921 and 1929.

Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS and NJHS. NHS and NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories, and Canada. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

What are the requirements?

General	Only juniors and seniors are considered. Students must have been at Clemens HS for at least a semester, but this may be waived on a case-by-case basis. Transfer students are placed on a probationary status if they were previously inducted from their incoming school.
Scholarship	Students must have a cumulative weighted GPA of at least 92%.
Leadership	This is evaluated in a variety of ways, including participation in clubs, sports, and other extra-curricular activities, as well as officer positions. Leadership positions held in other activities and employment will also be considered.
Service	Students must demonstrate a sustained commitment to service in order to be considered; this must be voluntary, without pay or compensation of any kind. Service should include a variety of services that benefit the community as a whole. Candidates will be expected to provide documentation verified by an adult (non-relative) supervisor.
Character	Recommendations from teachers, club sponsors, coaches, and other adults are evaluated in this area to assess a candidate's attitude and class/peer leadership. Students must not have had a "flagrant" or significant discipline issue within the last year.

How are members selected?

At the start of the school year, junior and senior students will be screened for academic qualification and will be invited to submit for consideration.

Prospective members will be required to attend a mandatory meeting in order to receive the candidate information packet. You will be asked to complete the student information packet and provide written information that details your experience and success in the four areas of consideration.

We look for well-rounded students who excel in academics, service, leadership, and character.

Once you express an interest in competing for membership, your name will be sent to the teachers and staff. They will have the opportunity to provide comments on your scholarship, character, and possible discipline issues.

Your written information, along with teacher/staff comments will be submitted to a selection committee that consists of five faculty members.

There is no minimum or maximum number of students that can be selected for membership. Once selected, you will be required to maintain a high standard of academics, service, leadership, and character. You will be expected to consistently attend meetings and participate in fundraisers and other activities.

Failure to maintain NHS standards will lead to probation and possible removal from the organization. Once removed, a student cannot be reconsidered for membership.

What can I do to prepare for my candidate information?

Take a few minutes this summer to make lists of all the things you have done at Clemens:

Clubs you belong to, both in and out of school
Sports you have participated in
Leadership – officer in any club or organization?
Community Services – both and in and out of school
Honors received, both in and out of school

You will need to provide the signature and contact information of an adult in charge of any of these activities (non-relative) in order for them to be considered.

Documentation

Verification forms are available on the Clemens NHS website
Certificates from the organization sponsoring an event are accepted, provided the
following information is included: name of participant, date, total hours, signature
of supervisor, and contact information.
You may also use letters printed on official letterhead or certificates as verification
of service you have performed for an organization, provided all of the following
information is included; name of participant, date, total hours, signature of
supervisor, and contact information.

What are the annual dues for NHS?

The Samuel Clemens Chapter of NHS has annual dues of $30. In addition, we will also be conducting fundraisers throughout the year; members are expected to participate. This is to help provide the tokens of membership and to cover the operating costs.