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Selection Criteria | Printable Application | Printable Scholarship Application
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
2007-2008
The new selection criteria for NHS will be based on a points system that evaluates students’ performance according to the four criteria: scholarship, character, leadership, and service. A committee will examine students’ applications and they will each score the students using the point system. In order to be eligible, a student must have a total of 90 (out of a possible 100) with at least 26 points in service, 26 points in leadership, and 26 points in character. The selection committee will use the following criteria when applications are read and evaluated. As there is a minimum academic requirement to be eligible for the National Honor Society (3.80) and the applicant has already met these scholarship criteria, this criterion is no longer part of the scoring rubric.
PHASE I
Application
Students will receive a maximum of 5 points for handing in a completed application that is neat, clear, and comprehensive. The required components include: following all instructions stated on the cover page, 2 sheets defining service and leadership, 1 essay, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Leadership :
The student who exercises leadership:
- Is resourceful in solving new problems, applying principles, and making suggestions
- Demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities
- Exercises influence on peers in upholding school ideals
- Is able to delegate responsibilities
- Exemplifies positive attitudes and inspires positive behavior in others
- Demonstrates academic initiative
- Successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility, conducting business effectively and efficiently, and without prodding, demonstrates reliability and dependability
- Is a forerunner in the classroom, at work, and in the school or community activities
- Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted.
Students who demonstrate defined leadership roles and/or responsibilities in a school related activity such as a sport or club, or in a community organization or project for at least 6 months will receive a maximum (depending on time commitment of each club) of:
5 points for involvement in each club/sport/organization.
OR
Students who demonstrate defined leadership roles and/or responsibilities in a school related activity such as a sport or club, or in a community organization or project for at least 2 years will receive a maximum (depending on time commitment of each club)of:
10 points for involvement in each club/sport/organization
Students may receive a maximum of 15 points from leadership in activities. Variety and number of activities will be considered as well. The other 15 points will come from the teacher evaluation forms (see below).
Service :
The student who serves:
- Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude
- Participates in some outside activity : Girl Scouts; Boy Scouts; church groups; volunteer services for the aged, poor, or disadvantaged.
- Volunteers dependable and well-organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance
- Works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities
- Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school
- Is willing to represent the class or school in inter-class and inter-scholastic competition
- Does committee and staff work without complaint
- Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students.
Students who demonstrate examples of substantial voluntary contributions made to the school or community without compensation for at least 6 months will receive a maximum of: 5 points for involvement in each club/organization.
OR
Students who demonstrate examples of substantial voluntary contributions made to the school or community without compensation for at least 2 years will receive a maximum of:
10 points for involvement in each club/organization.
Students may receive a maximum of 15 points for service in activities. The other 15 will come from teacher evaluations.
Character
Students who demonstrate good character by upholding morality, ethics, and honesty while showing courtesy and concern for other individuals will receive the maximum of 30 points in this category. Any student who has any documented violation of these principles or school policies by the teaching staff or administration may be in jeopardy of not being admitted into NHS.
Students’ discipline and attendance record will also be reviewed. Students may receive up to 15 points for good attendance and discipline.
The other 15 points will come from teacher evaluations.
Ineligible Applicants :
Students may be denied acceptance into NHS for the following reasons:
- Handing in application after the designated deadline
- Omitting sections of the application or not explaining fully.
- Having no phone numbers and/or verifying signatures.
- Violating a school policy as determined by the SFHS administration.
NOTE :
*You must be clear and thorough in your explanations of service and leadership in order to earn points for your work. Explain what your role entailed, including information on the time commitment.
**If you participated in an activity that you believe fulfills the service or leadership requirement, but does not cover the period of 6 months make sure you still include that activity. The faculty selection committee may give credit for work that is concentrated over a shorter period of time but that includes a significant amount of hours.
PHASE II
Students who have a minimum score of 11/15 in service, 11/15 in leadership, and 11/15 in character in the above areas will be evaluated by teachers.
Teacher Evaluations
St. Francis faculty members will be asked to rate all students who have accumulated at least an 11 in the service and leadership categories. Teachers will fill out forms that explain service, leadership, and character. Teachers will then rate students from 0-10 (or not applicable, if the teacher does not know the student) in each area. The students’ total points will be divided by the number of evaluations received to arrive at an average. A student may receive up to 15 points in service, 15 in leadership, and 15 in character.
PHASE III
Essays and Committee
Students who have accumulated at least a 26 in all three areas (leadership, character, and service) will be reviewed by the faculty committee. Advisors are present but do not vote. A student may receive up to 5 points for his/her essay.
Any student who receives at least a 90 is eligible for NHS. The faculty committee will vote, and students receiving a majority vote will be invited to join NHS.
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