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National Honor Society History, Purpose and Explanation The National Honor Society was established in 1921 to create an organization that would recognize, honor and encourage academic achievement while developing other characteristics essential to citizens in a democracy. At this time, they identified four ideals to be crucial for democratic society. These four ideals are scholarship, character, service and leadership. These ideals have withstood the test of time and remain crucial in today’s rapidly changing world. The purpose of National Honor Society is to bring the achievements of outstanding Cedar Mountain students to the attention of their classmates and staff, their parents, the community, and the colleges they plan to attend. Membership in this organization opens many doors for the individuals. A National Honor Society member has increased opportunities to receive scholarships, financial aid, and admission to the college or university of their choice. Entrance Requirements How does a student receive membership into NHS? The student’s cumulative grade point average is the first factor in determining membership. Students with a cumulative grade point average greater than a 3.5 meet the academic qualification component. Although academic excellence is a large determinant, it is only one of the ideals this organization is trying to model. Service, leadership, and character are the remaining ideals. Listed below are some of the characteristics for each of these three: SERVICE: The student who serves: is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude participates in some outside activity (Girl or Boy Scouts, church groups, 4-H, volunteer services, community groups, family duties, charitable organization, etc.) provides dependable and well-organized volunteer assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice personal needs in order to offer assistance to others works well with others and is willing to take on difficult tasks or duties which are not easily noticed is responsible in all areas of life cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested services to the school and community is willing to represent the class or school in intramural and interscholastic competition does committee and staff work uncomplainingly shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers and students LEADERSHIP: The student who exercises leadership: is resourceful in proposing new solutions, applying principles, and making suggestions demonstrates leadership in promoting school activities exercises positive influence on peers in upholding school ideals contributes ideas which improve the civic life of the school and community is able to delegate responsibilities exemplifies positive attitudes inspires positive behavior in others demonstrates academic initiative successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibilities conducts business efficiently and effectively is reliable and dependable without prodding demonstrates leadership in the classroom, at school events, at work, at home, and in the community is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted and punctual in carrying it out CHARACTER: The student of character: takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously constantly exemplifies desirable qualities of personality (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability, maturity) upholds principles of morality and ethics cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning rights of others and respect for property demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability shows courtesy, concern and respect knows and follows instructions and rules both inside and outside the classroom has powers of concentration and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoids cheating, and shows an unwillingness to profit at the expense of others actively helps rid the school of the bad influences Application Form You must write a letter of application summarizing your strengths. Include your involvement in areas of academics, service, leadership, and character. (See the sheet on the reverse side for suggested specific areas to address.) Tell the organization why you should be admitted into National Honor Society. When you have finished writing your letter of application, you must also obtain three short, signed statements from individuals endorsing you as a candidate for the Cedar Mountain National Honor Society. You should choose people who know you well. Appropriate references would include Cedar Mountain staff members, advisors to organizations you are a member of, coaches of activities you have been involved in, church or civic group leaders, employers, supervisors of activities you have volunteered for, or any other adult who knows you well and can endorse your candidacy. 2007 - 2008 NHS Committees Induction Double Header Fish Tank Road Ditch Service Project Trip