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Eligibility & Requirements

 

National Honor Society is one of the nation’s premier organizations and societies that promotes recognition for students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of character, scholarship, leadership, and service. The applicant must demonstrate a commitment to service to both school and the community, hence, using his or her talents to improve society. Students that qualify and are accepted to NHS must maintain these high standards to continue their eligibility in the organization. Thus, it is both an honor and commitment to be a member.

Applications must be submitted in a neat and well-organized manner. The panel that looks over each application is made up of faculty members. The faculty council votes on each individual, and the decision made by the council is final.

Summary of Requirements:

  • Applicants must be rising juniors or seniors.

  • Applicants must have a cumulative  GPA of 85 or above. Members are required to maintain this GPA throughout each school year.

  • A “D” or an “F” in any class will disqualify the applicant or member from NHS.

  • Since an NHS member must always show a strong moral character, unfavorable teacher feedback forms regarding citizenship or work habits during any grading period will disqualify the applicant or member.

  • Applicants must have a clean discipline record. No Academic Dishonesty or Suspensions.

  • Applicants must have previous experience in community service, show community involvement, demonstrate leadership skills, and be actively involved with co-curricular activities at Onteora High School.

  • Work experience, internships, and awards during the applicant’s high school years should be included. Signatures must be present for verification.

  • Applications must be complete and turned in on time. 

To remain a member of NHS, each semester the member shall do all of the following:

  • Members must maintain the appropriate grade point average. Currently, “A candidate must maintain at least an 85 academic weighted grade point average.”

  • Members must maintain good citizenship and work habits each semester: “Any unsatisfactory behavior in citizenship or work habits on a quarter report card will result in the dismissal of the member from NHS.”

  • Any inappropriate disciplinary problem reported will result in the dismissal of the member from NHS.

  • Members must attend all meetings unless excused prior to meeting date by an officer.

  • Members must volunteer a minimum of 10 hours each semester in some form of community service.

  • At least 5 of the 10 volunteer hours must be on the OCS campus or for OCS High School activities. This may be done through tutoring or another service for the school sponsored by OCS NHS. 

  • To show school leadership and good character, members must attend at least one extracurricular school function each semester in which they do not participate. These activities include a sporting event or performance by the drama, music, and dance departments.