As applications open up for the National Honor Society, some students may have unanswered questions. Whether they are confused about the application, the meetings or what it means to be a part of the society, there is a lot to remember with the application deadline approaching quickly. The NHS sponsors have insight for prospective applicants.
The next NHS meetings for new applicants will be on Feb. 20 at 7:30 a.m. and Feb. 21 at 3:30 p.m. These times have changed from the original email sent to students due to a show choir event. Additionally, if a student did not attend the initial meeting on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 or does not hold at least a 3.5 GPA, they are unable to apply and should not attend the meeting. Freshman are not eligible.
“They [applicants] are going to find out who their mentor is, then we’re going to cover what they need to do with their mentors,” NHS sponsor Ali Lahood said.
A mentor is a teacher a student has currently who will be their guide throughout the application process. The application will be due to a student’s mentor.
The application process requires a student to write three essays relating to how they showcase the NHS pillars of character, leadership and service. The scholarship pillar is fulfilled by keeping at least a 3.5 GPA at all times. Three different advisers must sign off on an applicant’s essay to verify that these essays accurately describe the student. NHS sponsors recommend that an applicant attend the upcoming meeting with their three advisers in mind.
“They [applicants] should have their ideas of who the three people are that they’re going to ask,” Lahood said.
The entire application is due to an applicant’s mentor on Mar. 15. There are no exceptions to late applications.
“If you don’t turn in an application on time that disqualifies you from being able to submit an application and be a member of the Honor Society,” Lahood said.
If an applicant is struggling with the process, NHS sponsor Christina Modrell urges them to contact someone for help.
“[They can] reach out to their mentors,” Modrell said. “If their mentors are a little busy, reach out to any of the current juniors who are members. They’ve all done the application process last year, so they might be helpful.”
While applicants may understand the process of applying to the society, many might not understand the benefit of being a member. Being a part of the NHS can pay off in an applicant’s future education.
“There are opportunities for national scholarships for students who are a part of the NHS,” Lahood said. “Also it looks nice on the college resume. Just showing that you not only met the criteria for it, but then you are an active member as well.”
Once in the NHS, a student will need to complete 10 service hours a school year to stay in the society. If a student meets all the requirements, they will stay a part of NHS throughout the rest of their high school career.
