NHS & NJHS

The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to recognize those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1921.

As of 2016 R. Yzaguirre TSTEM & ECHS is an official National Honor Society & National Junior Honor Society member. This year we inducted both middle school and high school students before friends and families as they join one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious acadmic student organization. 

How can you become a member of NHS?

You excel. You serve. You lead. You succeed. You have a true thirst for challenge ... and accomplishment. Membership in National Honor Society (NHS) may be an ideal fit for you! You can become a member through a local selection process that concludes with induction into the school's National Honor Society chapter.

First, check your student handbook or speak with someone in your main office to identify the chapter adviser. This is a faculty member who will be able to tell you the cumulative GPA required for consideration and a timeline when students who meet this benchmark will be invited to submit information about themselves to be considered for membership.

NHS Eligibility Requirements

Students in grades 10–­­12 who meet the requirements for membership outlined by their school’s chapter are eligible to be invited for membership.

Each chapter is required to publish its qualifications for membership, which is based on the four pillars of NHS:

• Scholarship
  Per national guidelines, at a minimum, students must have a cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent standard of excellence. (Each school chapter is allowed to require a higher cumulative GPA.)
• Service
  This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to 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 drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.
• 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.

Students who meet the scholarship requirement will have an opportunity to complete a form detailing their accomplishments in and commitment to service, leadership, and character.

NJHS Eligibility Requirements

Students in grades 6–9 who meet the requirements for membership outlined by their school’s chapter are eligible to be invited for membership. 

Students must be in their second semester of sixth grade for consideration. Ninth grade students are only eligible for inclusion in NJHS if they attend a middle level school. Ninth grade students in a traditional 9-12 high school are not eligible for NJHS membership.

Each chapter is required to publish its qualifications for membership, which is based on the five pillars of NJHS:

• Scholarship
  Per national guidelines, at a minimum, students must have a cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent standard of excellence. (Each school chapter is allowed to require a higher cumulative GPA.)
• Service
  This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to 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 drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.
• 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.
• Citizenship
  The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic engagement; has a high regard for freedom and justice; respects the U.S. form of government; respects the law for all citizens at the local, state, and federal levels; and demonstrates mature participation and responsibility in activities such as scouting, community organizations, or school clubs.

Students who meet the scholarship requirement will have an opportunity to complete a form detailing their accomplishments in and commitment to service, leadership, character, and citizenship.

 How to become a NHS member