National Honor Society

Smyrna High SchoolFall 2015

Ms. Markiewicz, Ms. KonickiSmyrna NHS Advisors

National Honor Society

The National honor Society is an organization founded to honor student who have excelled in areas of leadership, scholarship, service, and character.

Students applying for membership in National Honor Society cannot be discriminated against because of race, gender, ethnicity, political persuasion, socioeconomic background, disability, rumor or any other characteristic unrelated to the criteria for selection of National Honor Society.

Scholarship

Leadership

Service

Character

Guidelines

Scholarship GuidelinesA student attained a 90% (or

better) average, which was not rounded for six semesters.

Character Guidelines

Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously

Constantly exemplifies desirable qualities of personality (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability)

Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc.

Demonstrates highest standards of honesty and reliability shows courtesy, concern and respect for others

Character Guidelines• Has powers of concentration and sustained attention

as shown by perseverance and application to studies

• Actively helps to rid the school of bad influences or environment

• Observes instructions and rules, punctuality, and faithfulness in obligation both inside and outside of the classroom (without instances of school/civic infractions)

• Manifests truthfulness in acknowledge obedience of rules, avoiding cheating in written work and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistake of others (no discipline file, suspensions, or criminal record)

Leadership Guidelines Is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles and making

suggestions

Demonstrates leadership in promoting school activities, exercises influence on peers in upholding school ideals, organizes and motivates peers to achieve a common goal

Contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school

Is able to delegate responsibilities

Exemplifies positive qualities and inspires positive behavior in others

Demonstrates academic initiative and displays leadership in the classroom, at work, and in school activities

Successfully holds school offices/positions of responsibility, conducts business efficiently and effectively, and is reliable and dependable without prodding

Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility he/she accepts

Service Guidelines Willingness to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude

Participates in some Outside-of-School Service Activity ◦ Services may include, but are not limited to Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church

groups, volunteer services for aged, poor, disadvantaged, family duties, etc.

Dependable volunteer that provides well-organized assistance; is available on his/her own time and is sacrificing without compensation including grades or pay

Works well with others and is willing to take on difficulty or inconspicuous responsibilities

Willingness to render cheerfully and enthusiastically an requested service to the school

Willingness to representt his/her class or school in interclass and interscholastic competition

Readiness to show courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, or students

Completing the Application Page 1-2: Applicant Information & Signature

◦Fill in all pertinent information Name, Student ID, Email Address, and Phone

Number

◦Review National Honor Society Selection Guidelines and Membership Responsibilities

◦Complete required signatures Parent/Guardian and Student Applicant

◦Print name as you wish it to appear on Membership Certificate.

Completing the ApplicationPage 3: Character Reference Form

◦ Complete and submit with a minimum of two signatures from teachers that support your application.

◦ You may submit more than one form.

◦ Family members, coaches, and club advisors are not eligible as a reference.

Completing the Application

Page 4: Service Activity / Leadership Summary Form◦ Complete and copy form as needed

◦ List all out-of-school service activities that have either been completed or are still ongoing Include community service or volunteer work beginning

from 9th grade to present Include leadership positions if applicable After-school jobs or service in which you receive monetary

compensation do not count

◦ List all extracurricular activities that have either been completed or are still ongoing Include any sports or club activities beginning from 9th

grade to present Include leadership positions if applicable

Completing the Application

Page 5: Out-of-School Activity & Leadership Role Form◦ All service and leadership hours are those accrued commencing

with freshmen year of high school.

◦ Service to the community is a requirement to be considered for acceptance into National Honor Society.

◦ Each service activity must have the sponsors signature to verify

your participation, which is someone outside of SHS. Service activities that do not bear a sponsors signature will not be considered. Family members are not eligible for references.

◦ List all elected or appointed leadership positions held within the community and/or work activities.

◦ Copy and complete form as needed.

Completing the Application

Page 6: In-School Activity & Leadership Role Form◦ All service and leadership hours are those accrued commencing

with freshmen year of high school.

◦ Service to school is a requirement to be considered for acceptance into National Honor Society.

◦ Each service activity must have a SHS representative signature

to verify your participation. Service activities that do not bear a SHS representative signature will not be considered. Family members are not eligible for references.

◦ List all elected/appointed leadership positions held in school.

◦ Do not list academic honors; these do not constitute service.

◦ Copy and complete form as needed.

Completing the Application

Page 7: Application Essay◦ Construct a 500 word essay explaining why you are a great

candidate for National Honor Society.

◦ Do not state your name in your letter.

◦ Provide information that you feel was not addressed on the Out-of-School/In-School Service and Leadership Role Form but is important to your submission.

◦ This essay of clarification may contain information on any aspect of your background such as family hardships, school transfers that may have limited your involvements in school or community activities/services, or may be used to further clarify how you meet the National Honor Society criteria of Service, Character, and Leadership.

Compiling Your Application Make two (2) copies of the completed application:

◦ Include all seven (7) pages◦ Submit one copy for review and one copy for your

records◦ Note: Applications are destroyed once reviewed by

the NHS Faculty Council.

You are to place your application in a manila folder or a large envelope with your name and student ID printed in the upper left corner. Please do not staple, bend, or fold your application.

Important Dates Application Due

◦ Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 to Ms. Markiewicz or Ms. Konicki by 2:45 p.m.

◦ You may turn in your application early.◦ Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications Reviewed by Faculty Council ◦ Week of October 5th

Acceptance/Rejection Letters◦ Week of October 12th

Induction Ceremony◦ Monday, October 26th, 2015 6:00 P.M.