National Honor Society | NHS

What is the National Honor Society?  The National Honor Society (NHS) is an organization for high schoolers (grades 10-12) that promotes leadership, service, character, and scholarship. There are over one million students participating in NHS activities today, in all 50 states and territories of the United States. The National Honor Society started in 1921 by an association of principals. It was the first honor society created across the country. At almost 100 years old, the NHS is one of the most well-known educational and leadership groups.

The Purpose of the National Honor Society The purpose of the National Honor Society is to elevate students’ and schools’ academics, leadership, and community engagement. NHS benefits students, communities, and colleges. Colleges have a way of seeing the academic and service commitment of an applicant through his or her membership.

How Can You Become a Member?  To become a National Honor Society member, you must be invited as a sophomore or junior. This process is open one time per year following the finalization of semester 1 grades.  You will be invited to apply based on your Cumulative GPA (3.85 for sophomores and 3.65) for Juniors.  Once invited you will follow an expeditious application process that includes:  the applicant’s written response to leadership experiences, community service, strong character,  and commitment to the four NHS Pillars. Applicants will need to provide an adult community member reference who speaks in support of their leadership and character attributes.  SAHS staff will provide input on the applicants strengths as related to the NHS Pillars.  The final selection of new members will be determined by an anonymous selection committee of teachers and staff members.  If you do not receive an invitation within 3 weeks of the completion of semester one grades and know that you qualify based on your GPA please contact the advisor.

To Continue Membership:  Students must continue to show academic commitment, leadership experience, service and good character.  Throughout the year, National Honor Society members must maintain a minimum of a 3.65 GPA, attend all monthly chapter meetings and are required to volunteer 10 hours per semester and over the summer. Members are responsible for tracking their hours and submitting them on time. NHS members will be invited to exclusive leadership events such as state summits, national leadership conferences, as they become available.

Induction is held once per year in the spring once semester 1 grades are complete.