National Junior Honor Society & National Honor Society
The National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is a nationwide organization for high school students in the United States and outlying territories, which consists of many chapters in high schools. Selection is based on four criteria: scholarship (academic achievement), leadership, service, and character. The National Honor Society requires some sort of service to the community, school, or other organizations. The time spent working on these projects contributes towards the monthly service hour requirement.
Local chapters of the National Honor Society (NHS) are governed by two sets of documents: the NHS National Constitution and the local chapter bylaws.
All chapters must adopt and abide by the provisions of the National Constitution, per their agreement with the national organization. The NHS National Handbook and Adviser Resource Center offer additional information on items found in the Constitution—including an outline for local bylaws—and provides guidance for advisers in applying the NHS Constitution to their work with their chapters.
Read the NHS National Constitution
Bylaws for the Colegio Jorge Washington Chapter of National Honor Society
You excel. You serve. You lead. You succeed. You have a true thirst for challenge … and accomplishment. Membership in National Honor Society (NHS) may be an ideal fit for you! You can become a member through a local selection process that concludes with induction into the school’s National Honor Society chapter.
Through exclusive resources, programs, and services, members have a unique opportunity to prepare for college and career pursuits. Membership truly lays the groundwork for lifelong success.
First, you will need to learn if your school has an NHS chapter. If so, check your student handbook or speak with someone in your main office to identify the chapter adviser. This is a faculty member who will be able to tell you the cumulative GPA required for consideration and a timeline when students who meet this benchmark will be invited to submit information about themselves to be considered for membership.
Students in grades 10–12 who meet the requirements for membership outlined by their school’s chapter are eligible to be invited for membership.
Each chapter is required to publish its qualifications for membership, which is based on the four pillars of NHS:
- Scholarship
Per national guidelines, at a minimum, students must have a cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent standard of excellence. (Each school chapter is allowed to require a higher cumulative GPA.) - Service
This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation. - Leadership
Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others. - Character
The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintains a clean disciplinary record.
Students who meet the scholarship requirement will have an opportunity to complete a form detailing their accomplishments in and commitment to service, leadership, and character.
Students who accept membership and are inducted into the chapter should be aware of the time and commitment involved with this honor. For example, there will be chapter meetings. The chapter bylaws should articulate the yearly meeting schedule and member attendance obligations. Members also must participate in chapter and individual service projects to benefit the school and community. Contact the chapter adviser to obtain a full list of the obligations of membership for the school’s chapter.