National Honor Society Guide to Induction

by Terry Schwaller

With report cards on their way for first quarter, I thought that now would be a good time to let parents and students know what it takes for students to get inducted into National Honor Society.

The student must maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA for three or more semesters. This is not the same as "honor roll." The cumulative is used to calculate class standings.

Students are then informed that they have met this minimum requirement and are presented with an application form which has the student present themselves to the selection committee.

A majority vote of the Faculty Council, made up of five high school staff members, is required to move on to the next level. Those not selected will be eligible again the following year provided that they meet the GPA requirements and have not graduated.

Students selected by the Faculty Council must then take part in the induction ceremony and take the pledge chosen by the NHS President for that year's class. Failure to do so will result in the student not being inducted into NHS.

After induction, NHS members are required to maintain certain GPA standards and to complete set hours of community service to maintain their membership. Failure to follow the NHS guidelines set forth by the National NHS Constitution and the local bylaws can result in the student being put on probation or dismissed from NHS.

Being a member of National Honor Society is just that-an honor. Members are selected based on not just scholastic achievement, but also character, leadership, and service to community. It takes a lot of hard work to become a member and to stay one. I encourage your son or daughter to maintain high standards in the above mentioned areas if they would like to be among the select few who become members.