What is NHS?

The National Honor Society was formed in 1921 to recognize outstanding students. It is more than just an honor club! The goal is to find and honor the students who excel not only in academics, but in the areas of character, leadership, and service. Over 1 million students, nationwide, participate in NHS activities. In addition, NHS strives not only to reward students for accomplishments prior to becoming members, but also challenge them to get even more involved in personal growth and community service activities.

Goals of NHS

To Reward and Encourage Academic Excellence

To Develop Strong and Positive Character Traits

To Promote and Develop Leadership Skills

To Stimulate the Desire to Serve and Create Service Opportunities for Members

Who Monitors the NHS Organization?

NHS is sponsored and supervised by the NASSP, National Association of Secondary School Principals, through the DSA (Department of Student Affairs).

Selection Criteria

The National Council establishes the national standards for all NHS chapters. Each chapter creates by-laws in accordance with the National Constitution. Membership is not automatic as a result of good grades. There is no quota or set number of members. Students in grades 10-12 may be considered for membership based on the following four criteria:

Scholarship: “Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 85%, B, or 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or equivalent standard of excellence, or higher cumulative average set by the school’s Faculty Council meet the scholarship requirement for membership.“ (NHS Constitution, Article1X, section 2)

Gobles uses a 3.00 minimum GPA.

​ Character: The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, and generally maintains a good and clean lifestyle. (“The National Honor Society” pamphlet)

Leadership: Student Leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activity while working with or for others. (“The National Honor Society” pamphlet)

Service: This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit. (“The National Honor Society” pamphlet)

Selection Process: A student’s eligibility begins with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher (end of 1st semester of the sophomore year or later). Students then submit an application for membership that includes a personal essay that highlights the applicant’s character and a listing of all leadership and service related activities they would like the faculty and Faculty Council to consider. The Faculty Council seeks input from staff, faculty, and coaches on each student’s application. The 5 member Faculty Council considers all information and makes the final decision regarding membership. The NHS Advisor is not a voting member of the Faculty Council. All voting is confidential.

Member Obligations: Once selected for membership the student assumes the obligation to be an active participant in the organization’s activities. Attendance at chapter meetings is required as well as participation in multiple service projects throughout the course of the year. A drop in GPA, lack of participation in the organization, and/or lack of attendance and communication with the advisor may result in probation or expulsion from NHS.

Special Note: It is an honor to wear the NHS stole at graduation, but it is an honor that you earn. NHS is a service organization, not an honorary club. Students who just get good grades are given special recognition throughout the HS years at honors assemblies and at graduation time. Students with a GPA of at least 3.75 are recognized as summa cum laude. Students with a GPA of 3.50 - 3.74 are magna cum laude and those with GPA’s of 3.00 - 3.49, cum laude. Gold, silver, or bronze cords are worn. The NHS stole represents so much more than good grades! It represents a well-rounded student who is willing to go the extra distance in class work, school activities, community service, and personal growth. Gobles High School (the administration, staff, etc.) take NHS seriously and have expectations that NHS honors the “best of the best.” Applicants must realize when seeking membership it is not a chance to rest on the laurels of past accomplishments, but an opportunity to take on personal challenges and to really rise to the top of their class by truly helping to make GHS and the Gobles community a better place.

Special Projects: In accordance with being a service organization the Gobles chapter of the National Honor Society routinely does 3 Red Cross blood drives annually. NHS sponsors a heart health awareness campaign in conjunction with the American Heart Association. The group also does a huge food drive and coin collection through the holiday season. Other service projects have included working with the Blue Star Mothers for overseas care packages, fundraising for organizations to help end child abuse and neglect, and working with the counseling program as tutors for younger students and/or in the Bigs/Littles program. Members help with the Stuff the Bus event and lots of other projects that pop-up and offer opportunities to volunteer. All NHS members are expected to be a part of several or all of these endeavors.

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