National Honor Society
The Joseph U. Rowley Chapter - since 1962
By Tammy Schrader, NHS Moderator
August 24, 2010
The National Honor Society (NHS) is unarguably the most prestigious organization in any secondary school. It is valued highly by the most coveted colleges and universities and scholarship committees. Membership in the society is a privilege not a right.
HOW ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY SELECTED?
A faculty committee reviews the qualifications of each candidate. To ensure the integrity of the organization as well as its prestige at Central Catholic High School, the selection committee seeks to bestow the honor of membership only to those who have clearly met the criteria for this honor.
WHAT IS THE CRITERIA FOR SELECTION?
Selection to NHS is based on four criteria: scholarship, leadership, service and character. A student must possess all four qualities in an exemplary manner to be inducted into the society.
SCHOLARSHIP
Students selected to the National Honor Society must exhibit scholarly conduct. A student who demonstrates scholarly conduct:
- maintains a high cumulative GPA – for Juniors the GPA requirement is 3.25; for Seniors the GPA requirement is 3.0.
- demonstrates sustained effort in his studies.
- demonstrates cooperation in the learning process.
- is not content to earn grades below his ability, but works to realize the highest level of achievement he is capable of.
LEADERSHIP
The quality of leadership is an important criterion for selection to the National Honor Society. While holding an office in a campus organization is not a requirement, leadership must be demonstrated by the student.
The student who exhibits leadership:
- is a positive influence on others
- is a role model for his classmates and underclassmen
- is reliable and responsible
- actively participates and promotes school activities
- upholds the ideals of the school - education in the Marianist tradition
- respects and conforms to school policies
- demonstrates follow-through when accepting responsibilities
- demonstrates leadership characteristics in all areas of his life: in the classroom, in the school building, on the playing field, and in his community
- demonstrates initiative
- exemplifies a positive attitude towards and loyalty to the school
- recognizes and accepts his role in building up family spirit at Central Catholic
SERVICE
Service is an equally important criterion for selection to the National Honor Society. Some common questions considered by the selection committee during the selection process are: What contribution has the candidate made to the school, his classmates, and the community? What is the student’s attitude toward service? In addition, as the selection committee reviews the qualifications of each student, his service record is considered. It is important that the student exceed required service hours. The student who serves his brothers and sisters, recognizes that he is part of a larger community. He recognizes the dignity of each human person. He performs his service cheerfully and willingly. He serves by:
- participating in some outside activity: boy scouts, church groups, volunteer work
- participating in service projects sponsored by the school or community
- volunteering to assist others: fellow students, faculty and staff members, and visitors
- being responsible and dependable in his volunteer service
- representing his school in competitions and other inter-school activities
- representing his class in inter-class activities
- exhibiting courtesy in the classroom, in the hallways, on the playing field, and in his community
CHARACTER
As a Marianist catholic high school, Central Catholic High School expects its students to be young men of good character. A member of the National Honor Society is expected to be exemplary in character. A student who demonstrates good character
- cooperates and complies with all school rules policies concerning respect for others and property
- demonstrates the highest level of integrity in his classes and activities
- demonstrates that he upholds the highest standards of morality and ethics
- accepts criticism willingly demonstrating respect for the critic
- cooperates with the faculty, staff, and administration in all areas of school life
- demonstrates self-discipline in his behavior
- assists in building the character of the entire school community in light of the values upheld in a Marianist school
DO ALL MEMBERS OF THE FACULTY AND STAFF HAVE INPUT INTO THE SELECTION PROCESS?
Yes. All members of the faculty and staff are invited to submit their recommendations for selection. The selection committee reviews the recommendations submitted by faculty and staff members prior to selection.
DO STUDENTS HAVE INPUT INTO THE SELECTION PROCESS?
Yes. Candidates for the National Honor Society are invited to provide the committee with an essay. The essay should supply the committee with information regarding the four criteria especially in the areas of leadership and service.
HOW OFTEN ARE SELECTIONS MADE?
Selections are made twice a year: once during the fall semester and once during the spring semester.
CAN MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY BE REMOVED ONCE INDUCTED?
Yes. Members are expected to be exemplary in scholarship, leadership, service and character. Failure to uphold these four pillars of the National Honor Society, can result in probation or removal from the organization. Due to the high expectations for all members of the NHS, if a student is placed on probation, he remains on probation until he has graduated from Central Catholic High School. A second offense during his remaining time at Central Catholic High School will result in his removal from the organization.
