National Honor Society

nhs header

Advisors: Ms. DelPreore and Ms. Domick

NHS Meetings

NHS has mandatory meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month unless otherwise noted. A calendar of the year's meetings is posted in the NHS Google Classroom. Every member is expected to attend unless an excused* absence is provided. Please make sure these dates/times are on your calendar. If you miss a meeting, you must attend the "catch-up meeting" on the following Friday during lunch in A20.

*Excused Absences: participation in a school-sponsored game/activity, full day out of school for illness/religious holiday/bereavement, and/or sent home early by the nurse.

Unexcused Absence: college tours, doctor's appointments, driving lessons, etc.

If you are unsure if your absence is excused or unexcused, please see an NHS advisor before the absence for clarification.

Members have to participate in at least three (3) NHS-sponsored activities and 25 hours of community service in order to maintain eligibility in NHS. Ten (10) of the required 25 hours are to be peer tutoring hours. Check the NHS Google Classroom for activity and volunteer opportunity announcements.

What is NHS?

"To create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire

to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop

character in the students of secondary schools."

- NHS Constitution

NHS is more than just a good grades. It serves to honor students who have demonstrated excellence in many important areas including scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Since 1921 students all over the country have been participating in NHS.

How do I get into NHS? The basics...

Step 1- Keep your grades up! Students don't join NHS, they are invited to apply the spring of their junior year. Your unweighted GPA must be a 90.0 or higher. If it is, you will be invited to APPLY. Applying to NHS does NOT guarantee entrance.

Step 2- Be involved in your community! You must be able to document a minimum of 40 hours of community service BEFORE you apply. Those students who cannot document 40 hours of community service will NOT have their applications considered. Beginning with the Class of 2026, the minimum documented community service hours was increased from 25 to 40. Junior candidates invited to apply in spring 2025 will need a minimum of 40 hours of community service before applying.

Step 3- Be respectful and responsible! Character is an important element of an NHS member. Discipline records and your interaction with your teachers, coaches, and other students are reviewed by the application committee.

Step 4- Be a leader! Leadership is also an important element of an NHS member. While we realize that not everyone can be a team captain or president of a club, you CAN be a leader in other ways- in the classroom, in the community, on a team, in a club, at work, etc.

National Honor Society by Sarah Domick

Letter to Families re: Community Service Hours

Dear NHS Families,

As we head into summer break, this is an excellent time for students who may be candidates for the National Honor Society to begin accumulating community service hours. Junior candidates invited to apply in spring 2027 will need at least 40 hours of documented community service.

Summer provides flexible scheduling opportunities for meaningful volunteer work. Here are some local places where high school students can typically find volunteer opportunities:

Community Organizations:

Public libraries (reading programs, book sorting, computer assistance)
Local food banks and soup kitchens
Animal shelters and rescue organizations
Senior centers and nursing homes

Faith-Based Options:

Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship
Religious community outreach programs
Faith-based food pantries and clothing drives

Educational and Youth Services:

Summer camps and recreation programs
Tutoring younger students
Vacation Bible Schools
Youth sports leagues

Environmental and Community Improvement:

Park clean-up projects
Community gardens
Local environmental organizations
Neighborhood beautification efforts

Healthcare and Social Services:

Hospitals (check age requirements)
Rehabilitation centers
Local non-profit organizations
Special needs support programs

Students should keep detailed records of their volunteer hours, including dates, locations, activities, and supervisor contact information. This documentation will serve as evidence of their service and will be essential for the NHS application process.

Best regards,

Jennifer DelPreore

Sarah Domick

NHS Advisors

Peer Tutoring Now Available!

Struggling in Math? English? All subjects? Our NHS tutors can help. Simply visit our sign-up calendar to make a tutoring appointment.