A GUIDELINE FOR ADMISSION TO THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY AT OKEMO MOUNTAIN SCHOOL
Students are selected for membership in NHS, it is not an entitlement. Students do not apply for membership in the National Honor Society. Instead, they provide information to be used by the local selection committee to support their candidacy for membership. Membership in NHS is only offered to students after the Faculty Council at Okemo Mountain School determines they have met the standards for selection established by both the local chapter and the national constitution. Thus membership is not based solely on academic achievement. NHS is more than just an honor roll and the extent to which our local chapter emphasizes the other components of the selection process (leadership, service, and character) is included in the selection process guidelines. The National Honor Society promotes appropriate recognition of students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of SCHOLARSHIP, LEADERSHIP, CHARACTER AND SERVICE.
The following are the minimum requirements necessary for an individual to be considered for admission to the National Honor Society:
RESIDENCE
1. Candidates must have been in attendance at the school the equivalent of one semester. Recommendations from the previous school could lead to a wavier of semester requirements.
SCHOLARSHIP
2. Candidates must have a cumulative unweighted scholastic average of at least a 3.5. The
candidate must have completed a rigorous course of study completing at least 8
core courses in the areas of math, science, english, history, and foreign language by the end of
their Sophomore year and 12 by the end of their JuniorYear.
LEADERSHIP
3. Candidates must have illustrated the ability to assume and carry out leadership roles in the school and/or community. The Faculty Selection Committee considers the following:
The Candidate:
• is a leader in the classroom, at work, in clubs and activities, and in the community.
• exercises positive influence on peers in upholding school ideals and rules.
• exemplifies a positive attitude.
• inspires positive behavior in others.
• successfully holds and carries out school offices or positions of responsibility.
• conducts him/herself in a manner that is indicative of a good citizen.
• does not compromise personal commitment to scholarship, leadership and school loyalty.
SERVICE
4. Service is defined as those actions undertaken to benefit others without any direct
financial, material, or personal compensation, gain or position. It is something you do
above/beyond the normal requirements for an activity/athletic/club/group. Just belonging to an
organization isn’t volunteering service. class, such as Choir, that has a concert requirement for
a grade, this is not service.
The student who serves:
• works well with others and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance.
• shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers and students.
• participates in activities outside the school in volunteer activities.
• volunteers and provides service that is dependable and of quality.
NOTE: A minimum of 10 cumulative (not yearly) community service and 10 leadership hours during the freshman, sophomore and junior year are required.
CHARACTER
1. A candidate will be able to demonstrate an outstanding record of conduct and behavior with regard to school and community rules or be able to demonstrate sufficient growth to compensate for previous inadequacies. In addition, the of character:
• accepts criticism willingly and graciously
• is a moral and ethical person
• cooperates by complying with school rules concerning property, programs, halls, etc.
• demonstrates highest standards of honesty and reliability
• regularly shows courtesy, concern and respect for others
• is self-disciplined
• illustrates truthfulness by avoiding cheating, acknowledging wrongdoing and showing a unwillingness to profit by undermining others
FACULTY INPUT
6. Faculty and staff evaluation of each candidate is used to support the strength of each student’s candidacy in the areas of character and leadership. Faculty staff are encouraged to comment concerning their interaction with candidates. Faculty members tend to consider personal behavior, leadership, character and commitment. Staff tend to comment about social behavior in the halls, attending sporting events, in offices and personal interaction at school and in the community
Of note, one negative rating and/or comment does not automatically
disqualify a student for admission. Scores are averaged.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Information concerning how one applies for admission to the National Honor Society will be
posted on the OMS website for prospective candidates. Letters will not be sent home to
perspective applicants. Applicants’ transcript will be checked after the application has been
submitted. Anyone applying for NHS who does not meet the 3.5 minimum GPA will have
their application returned to them.
Applications will be due Friday, February 13, 2009 by 3 pm in Peter Kravitz’s mail box. No late applications will be accepted. 3:01 pm is considered late.
The Faculty Selection Committee completes the evaluation and selection in March. Students are notified, by mail, of the Faculty Selection Committee’s decisions at the end of March. Students will be inducted into NHS at a ceremony held in April. It is left to the discretion of the head of school, faculty adviser(s), and/or Faculty Council as to how much of the information is to be shared with the candidate not selected for membership (or his or her parents/guardians).
