When the National Honor Society was founded in 1921, the intention of the
National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) was 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, character, service, and leadership remain
relevant today as they were in 1921.
The purpose of the National Honor Society is to recognize outstanding
students and to promote the ideals of the society among the student body.
Dress up days, community service, and flower sales to raise money for a
scholarship fund are among the society’s activities.
NHS is more than just an honor roll. The NHS chapter establishes rules
for membership that are based upon a student's outstanding performance in
the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These four
criteria for selection form the foundation upon which the organization and
its activities are built.
The NHS begins the 2009-2010 school year with thirty members(all seniors)
and selects new members in the Fall. In September, juniors and seniors with
a 3.5 cumulative unweighted G.P.A. and/or a 4.0 weighted G.P.A. will receive
a letter notifying them of their eligibility for membership. (NOTIFICATION
OF CONSIDERATION DOES NOT ASSURE MEMBERSHIP.) Eligible students will
receive an activity information packet that must be completed and turned in
by the requested deadline.
Membership in the National Honor Society is a privilege. Membership is
based on, but not limited to, four criteria: character, leadership,
service, and scholarship. Eligible students need membership and involvement
in at least two school sponsored service activities.
Students must also be able to demonstrate leadership at school and/or
community; they must have 75 hours of community service completely unrelated
to school activities that has been approved by the Bright Futures. See Mrs.
Kindell in the Futures Portable for information on community service.
With faculty input on character and the completed student activity
information packet, a five member faculty council (not including the
sponsor) appointed by the principal then selects the new members. The new
members are then notified by letter of their acceptance into National Honor
society. The induction ceremony is set for October 2nd.
It is imperative that students as well as parents read the letter of
notification and the student activity information form very carefully. It is
very important to follow the directions fully. For further information
email or contact Mrs. Ruthardt at Venice High School.
marilyn_ruthardt@xmail.sarasota.k12.fl.us
Selection to NHS is a privilege, not a right. Students do not apply for
membership in the Society; instead, they provide information to be used by
the selection committee to support their candidacy for membership. This is
not an election, nor is membership automatically conveyed simply because a
student has achieved a specified level of academic performance.