Honor Societies
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Honor Societies

National Junior Honor Society

Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS (High School) and NJHS (Middle School). 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. (Taken from www.nhs.us. Accessed 12/10/11)

The goal of NJHS is to build leaders and do service. Other than that, the activities are up to the NJHS members. Things like car washes, fundraisers, leadership retreats, and team building activities are all ideas that have been discussed, but plans will not be made until our charter members are inducted this spring.

More Than an Honor Roll

Academic achievement is a core component of NJHS, but today’s students need much more than just good grades to get ahead. NJHS’s focus on service, leadership, and character helps students build the skills and relationships that will ensure success throughout their academic years and beyond.

When NJHS members participate in community service projects, attend national leadership events, and serve as ambassadors to their schools and communities,

Membership

In accordance with national standards set by NJHS, students will first qualify for an invitation through their demonstration of success in the area of scholarship. Most chapters require candidates to exceed a 3.0 GPA (equivalent to a B, or 85%). Riverdale Baptist School’s requirement is 3.8 – 4.0. The application includes an academic, athletic, civic and spiritual profile of each student. Just because a student qualifies based on their cumulative GPA (scholarship), they will not automatically be inducted into the NJHS. The names of possible candidates are reviewed by a selection committee. Candidates are then evaluated on the basis of service, leadership, citizenship, and character (see article IX of the NJHS Constitution). The committee also serves as the group who determines if a student should be dismissed because of a failure to meet expectations in one of the five areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, or Citizenship. The NJHS sponsors do not have a vote on the Faculty Council and will not be making any decisions regarding acceptance, rejection, or dismissal. Lastly, a final roster will be compiled and parents will be notified of the ceremony proceedings.

National Junior Honor Society Official Website.

National Honor Society

The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to recognize those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1921.

Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in NHS activities. NHS 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.

History

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) officially established NHS in 1921. Though many local and regional honor societies existed prior to 1921, no nationwide organization had been founded. Under the leadership of Dr. Edward Rynearson, principal of the Fifth Avenue High School in Pittsburgh, the organization grew from the original Alpha Chapter at the Fifth Avenue School to more than 1,000 chapters by 1930. Equipped with a constitution, an emblem and motto, and a group of dedicated principals as coordinators, the new NHS organization quickly developed into one of the country’s leading educational groups.

Four main purposes have guided chapters of NHS from the beginning: to create enthusiasm for scholarship; to stimulate a desire to render service; to promote leadership; and to develop character in the students of secondary schools. These purposes also translate into the criteria used for membership selection in each local chapter.

For more information about the NHS, please visit their website.