National Honor Society

2026-27  National Honor Society Officers
 
President:  Rachel Lin
Vice-President: Caitlyn Charnley
Membership Secretary: Madison Yih
Treasurer: Lila Da Re

Advisors: Ms. Egberts and Mrs. Soffera

1. Who may apply for membership?
10th graders who have over a 90% GPA. GPA is based on the first 6 marking periods from 9th- 10th grade (4 quarters in 9th grade and 2 quarters in 10th grade).  Students will receive a formal invitation to apply. Invitations are sent in February of the 10th-grade year. Juniors who did not meet the requirement in 10th grade but qualify in their junior year are welcome to apply. Juniors will be invited informally through Schoology and daily announcements. This is a once-a-year process.

2. When do I apply for membership in NHS?
Application to NHS occurs only 1x a year. Invitations are sent in February and applications are due in March. 

3. What process is used to select NHS members?
All applications are evaluated independently by a faculty council and are scored by a set rubric, which is listed in the application. Decisions are usually made by April. Students will be notified in writing of their selection or non-selection to the chapter. Students whose membership is accepted to the National Honor Society are invited to an induction ceremony that usually occurs at the end of April.

4. What are the criteria for membership in NHS?
Part of the application is based on the four pillars of NHS:

• Scholarship
  Per national guidelines, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

• Service
  This involves volunteer work by a student for the school or community, done without compensation.

• Leadership
  Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be gained from school or community activities, as well as from working with or for others. These leadership positions can be elected or appointed, such as those in student government, clubs, team captain, or community organizations. Leadership positions can be associated with a particular service or community project. Work-related leadership positions (such as store manager, assistant manager, team leader, etc) are also acceptable.

• Character
  The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintains a clean disciplinary record. Character for the NHS application is based on teacher recommendations. 

5. Once accepted, what are the requirements of membership to the National Honor Society?
A total of 20 volunteer hours and 4 meetings per year:

• 10 individual hours that students complete on their own in the community. Many students have completed these hours by coaching youth teams, helping out at church, etc. These hours are chosen by the student where they want to volunteer.

• 10 group hours are completed through group events created by the National Honor Society Executive Council, as well as, community offerings. Past events include Safe Harbor, tutoring at the Middle School, Family Connections,  D&L Trail clean up, etc.... 

• Attend  4 meetings for the year (2 meetings per semester).  Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month. There is a mix of online and in-person meetings.

6. Are volunteer opportunities offered or do students need to find their own?
The answer is both! NHS receives many requests for student volunteers, which are offered through the NHS Schoology group (group hours). 

Ultimately, students need to complete their own individual hours, whether chosen on their own or chosen through the NHS Schoology page. Group hours are not student-selected but are posted in Schoology. These are hours that get offered to the entire NHS group.

Also, volunteer hours must be done during the school year. The only summer hours accepted have to be associated with school events posted through Schoology (iCan Bike, etc)...  

7. What hours are not accepted? 
Students may not include hours for any activity for which pay is received.  

Students may not claim hours for baking food. 

Volunteer hours will not be accepted from immediate or extended family members. This includes working in the home or at the parents’ place of employment (or classroom), unless for a charity event.

Students cannot use hours for organizations or sports teams where they are members. Some examples are:
Band/Orchestra/Choir/Drama/Theater students may not count hours where they receive credit within their respective organization; members of a production (cast/crew/ushers) may not count hours for that production.  Sports players coaching other younger players, keeping time during a game, etc...

8. What does it mean to "stay in good standing" once selected to NHS?All students need to complete their yearly requirements (20 hours and 4 meetings) to stay in good standing. 

9. Does it cost anything to be a member of NHS?
Dues are $10. Cords are $15, which is due senior year. The NHS cord is worn at graduation, and students will be listed in the graduation program as members of NHS.

10. Who should I speak to if I need more information on membership to NHS?
The advisors are Mrs. Egberts at egbertsc@eastonsd.org or Mrs. Soffera at sofferad@eastonsd.org

It doesn’t hurt to speak to a current officer or member of NHS.  Students will be able to give you advice on service opportunities for high school students. You may also visit the National Honor Society website at www.nhs.us if you would like to get information on the national organization of NHS.