• The National Honor Society Induction Criteria

     

    Scholarship: The scholarship requirement set by the National Council is based on a student’s cumulative GPA of 3.45 or higher. Cumulative GPA refers to the total academic performance as demonstrated by the grades received by the student while in attendance at the school where the chapter is found.

     

    Leadership: The leadership criterion is considered highly important for membership selection. Leadership roles in both the school and community may be considered, provided they can be verified. Chapters can consider the following descriptors as they develop their local definition and standard for leadership. This list is for consideration purposes only and should not be thought of as a checklist for this criterion.

    The student who exercises leadership:

    • Is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles, and making suggestions
    • Demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities
    • Exercises positive influence on peers in upholding school ideals and spirit
    • Contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school
    • Is able to delegate responsibilities
    • Exemplifies positive attitudes
    • Inspires positive behavior in others
    • Demonstrates academic initiative
    • Successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility
    • Conducts business effectively and efficiently
    • Demonstrates reliability and dependability
    • Is a leader in the classroom, at work, or in other school or community activities
    • Is dependable in any responsibility accepted

     

    Service: Service is generally considered to be those actions undertaken by the student which are done with or on behalf of others without any direct financial or material compensation. 20 hours of service min. with signatures. Chapters can consider the following descriptors as they develop their local definition and standard for service. This list is for consideration purposes only and should not be thought of as a checklist for this criterion.

    The student who serves:

    • Volunteers and provides dependable and well-organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance
    • Works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school
    • Is willing to represent the class or school in interclass and interscholastic competition
    • Does committee and staff work without complaint
    • Participates in some activity outside of school (e.g., Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, religious groups, volunteer services for the elderly, poor, or disadvantaged)
    • Mentors persons in the community or students at other schools
    • Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students

    Character: Character is probably the most difficult criterion to define. The Faculty Council should consider the positive as well as the negative aspects of character. All judgments in this and other selection criteria should be free of speculation and rumor. A person of character demonstrates the following six qualities: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Chapters can consider the following descriptors as they develop their local definition and standard for character. This list is for consideration purposes only and should not be thought of as a checklist for this criterion.

    The student of character:

    • Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously
    • Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (e.g., cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability)
    • Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc.
    • Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability
    • Regularly shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others
    • Observes instructions and rules, is punctual, and faithful both inside and outside the classroom
    • Manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and showing an unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others
    • Actively helps rid the school of bad influences or environment