National Honor Society

What is NHS?

When the National Honor Society was established by the National Association for Secondary School Principals (NASSP) in 1921, the principals involved hoped to create an organization that would recognize and encourage academic achievement while also developing other characteristics essential to citizens in a democracy. These ideals of scholarship, service, leadership, and character remain as relevant today as they were in 1921. As a Christian community, SCS recognizes the importance of those characteristics that are vital for young people who are called to serve God in this world.

Membership in NHS is both an honor and a commitment. It is this commitment that has helped shape the Honor Society’s reputation for excellence, making it a valued asset among administrators, faculty members, students, parents, and communities.

How do you become a member?

If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior who has attended SCS for one semester or the equivalent, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.60 on a 4-point scale, you will be invited to apply for membership in the Sheboygan Christian chapter of the National Honor Society.  Students wishing to become members must provide the three-member faculty selection committee with the following information: a completed student application and two application recommendation forms completed by an adult not related to the applicant. (Only one of these recommendations can be a faculty member.)

Applicants will then be scheduled for an interview with the selection committee.  In the interview, applicants will be asked to defend and expand on the information submitted in the application.

School staff will also be required to submit evaluations on the qualifications of each of the applicants.

Recommendations on acceptance will be made by the three-member faculty selection committee based on all of the information provided.  The principal will give final approval to the recommendations of the selection committee.

Students will be notified of their acceptance or the reasons for their non-acceptance.  Non-acceptance will be based on a student’s failure to meet (or give evidence of meeting) the criteria as listed in the “Selection Criteria” section.

Selection criteria

Criteria used to determine acceptance into NHS will include, but are not limited to the following:

A STUDENT EXERCISES LEADERSHIP WHEN HE OR SHE:

  • Follows the example of Christ as he/she leads others
  • 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
  • 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


THE STUDENT WHO SERVES:

  • Displays a Christ-like heart and attitude toward serving others
  • Volunteers and provides dependable and well-organized assistance, and is willing to make sacrifices to offer assistance
  • Works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities
  • 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, for example, Girl Scouts; Boy Scouts; religious groups; volunteer services for the elderly, poor, or disadvantaged.
  • Mentors in the community or students at other schools
  • Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students.


THE STUDENT OF CHARACTER:

  • Reflects Christ in his/her words and actions
  • Consistently exemplifies positive and desirable qualities of behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability)
  • Cooperates by complying with all school policies and regulations and codes of student conduct
  • Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously
  • Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty, academic integrity, and reliability
  • Regularly exhibits courtesy, concern, and respect for others
  • Complies with instructions and rules, and displays personal responsibility.

Dismissal of members

NHS members can have their membership revoked by majority vote of the selection committee due to failure to maintain the standards of NHS. Reasons for dismissal include, but are not limited to:

  • Failure to maintain a GPA of 3.6
  • Repeated offenses of the school’s conduct policies
  • Repeated failure to do community service as required by the NHS chapter

Application

NHS Candidate Application Form

Faculty Selection Committee

Mr. Seider, Mrs. Warmus, and Señor Engels