The National Honor Society
ranks as one of the oldest and most prestigious organizations for high school
students. Chapters exist in 75 percent
of the nation’s schools and, since 1921, millions of students have been
selected for membership. The National
Honor Society is sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School
Principals.
The purpose of the National
Honor Society is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to
render service, promote leadership and develop character in the students of
American secondary schools.
To be eligible for membership
consideration, students must be a junior and have a cumulative grade point
average of 3.5, which must be maintained until graduation. Additionally, potential members must meet high
standards of leadership and character and have earned the Silver Star for service
or the equivalent. Members are selected
based on an objective, anonymous process, taking into account the
accomplishments of students in the areas of leadership, character and
service. Membership is not automatically
extended solely on academic achievement.
Leadership is based on the student’s participation and
initiative in promoting school activities; inspiring positive behavior in
others; exemplifying a positive attitude; successfully holding school offices
or positions of responsibilities; acting as a forerunner in the classroom, at
work, and in school or community; and being thoroughly dependable in any
responsibility accepted.
To meet the Service
requirement, the student will demonstrate a willingness to render service to
the school and community by having earned at least the Silver Star service
award or its equivalent.
Character is measured in terms of integrity, behavior, ethics,
honesty and cooperation with students, faculty and community.
Membership is more than an
honor. It carries with it more than
certain privileges. It incurs a
responsibility to continually demonstrate those outstanding qualities that
result in selection. Members of the Hill-Murray
chapter of the National Honor Society are required to increase their level of
service to the school and community to the next level Star of the service award. Students who have already earned Gold Star
status will be required to earn a second Bronze Star. In doing so, members serve as role models for
their peers while offering their additional gifts of service to the community.
