The National Honor Society (NHS) is a selective organization based on the characteristics of Scholarship, Character, Leadership and Service. Students who meet the criteria established by the national organization and the Goshen chapter are inducted in either their junior or senior year.

After induction, NHS members attend meetings, participate in chapter projects and activities, and perform a minimum of twenty-five (25) hours of additional community service during each year of membership.

Scholarship

To be selected, a student must have a cumulative academic average of 90.0 and is expected to maintain his or her academic performance after selection.  Starting with the Class of 2012 the required cumulative academic average will be raised to 92.0.

Character

Students are expected to demonstrate good character as evidenced by their overall interactions, including respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Leadership

To be a leader does not necessarily mean that a student must hold an office in an organization. Leadership may be demonstrated by consistently being a good role model, by initiating and following through on projects and by leading by example. A good leader is thorough and dependable.

Service

Service is described as a willingness to work for the benefit of those in need or to serve the school or community in a variety of ways, without compensation of any kind. In considering service, the selection committee will evaluate contributions the candidate has made to the school, classmates and community, as well as the candidate's attitude towards service. Candidates must document evidence of community service performed during the 2 or 3 years prior to his or her consideration for selection into NHS.  There must be a minimum of 60 hours of verified community service for Juniors and 90 hours for Seniors.  Service must be done from the time that the candidate entered high school and be verified by an adult supervisor.  The selection committee looks for continuous involvement in several different school or community activities.  Candidates should be participating in service activities for a minimum of 6 months out of every school year.  Juniors who do not meet the service qualification must be sure that they complete 90 hours of service before September of their Senior year and participate over the course of at least 6 months if they would like to be considered as Seniors.

Click here for list of accepted community service

Selection Process

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last modified: 12/22/2008