Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE NHS?

The purpose of the National Honor Society is 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. As new members of NHS, seniors at GHS contribute their time and talent as Peer Tutors in the school programs, providing a vital service to their school community

WHEN ARE STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP?

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.55* at the end of first semester of junior year are notified of their eligibility in the spring of their junior year. Students who achieve the required GPA when final junior year grades are posted in June will be notified over the summer. Notification is done through the mail with a letter sent to the home address on file. Packets will be available on-line and are typically due 6-8 weeks after students are notified.

I AM A NEW SENIOR AT GHS, AM I ELIGIBLE?

Students who were inducted into an NHS chapter at their previous high school are automatically accepted into the GHS chapter. Other seniors may submit a packet if they meet the GPA requirement; contact the adviser immediately for either of these situations.

HOW ARE MEMBERS SELECTED TO THE NHS?

Local National Honor Society chapters are charged with creating a selection process that conforms to the national guidelines, is applied fairly and consistently to all candidates, and provides a meaningful recognition of deserving students. All completed packets for membership are reviewed by the Faculty Council and membership is offered based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SIGNATURES ON MY APPLICATION?

All signatures and contact information are required for leadership activities and service activities to be considered "verified." The Faculty Council must be able to quickly contact individuals to check on accuracy of the information as needed. All signatures must be from adults who have supervised the candidate. Fellow students may not sign the applications even if they are a supervisor or team leader. Parents or other family members may not sign for their son/daughter/relative. Parents or other family members may not complete any of the recommendation forms.  If applicants have previously signed certificates or letters verifying service or membership, these may be attached to the application.

WHEN ARE MEMBERS INDUCTED?

Membership is finalized in the fall and seniors are notified by email or mail. The NHS Induction Ceremony is held in the fall of Senior Year. The Ceremony is held in the evening and friends and family are welcome to attend.

DO I HAVE TO DO 20 HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE EACH YEAR?

It is preferred that students spread the community service hours over the three years of high school. Students can start accruing service hours upon graduation from eighth grade and continue to accrue hours through the first day of school senior year. However applicants must have completed at least 45 of the required 60 hours when the packet is submitted. A maximum of 15 hours can be completed the summer prior to senior year.

CAN THE COMMUNITY SERVICE BE FROM JUST ONE ORGANIZATION?

Yes, the community service can be from one organization as this shows a depth of commitment.

No. Volunteering to do something does not always mean it will count as community service. Please see the "Criteria for Selection" tab and carefully read the section on community service. If you still have a question about whether your volunteer time would count, please ask the adviser. Do not assume that volunteering time = community service. There are many volunteer-type activities that will not meet the NHS service requirements

 

*Cumulative GPA cannot include any modified grades or curriculum..