National Honor Society
The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1921.
Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS. NHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories, and Canada. Chapter membership recognizes students for their accomplishments and challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.
Four main purposes have guided chapters of NHS from the beginning: “To create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools.” (from the NHS Constitution) These purposes also translate into the criteria used for membership selection in each local chapter.
NHS membership honors outstanding students. Eligible students can be identified from grades 11 through 12 (as identified in the local chapter bylaws). Once selected, member participation in chapter activities provides opportunities for students to reach their fullest potential at school and in life.
The process for membership selection at LCS is:
- 11th grade students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above (at the end of the previous semester) are identified. Letters with information about the NHS application process and the deadline for application submission to the high school office are distributed to students and parents.
- 12th grade non-NHS members with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above (at the end of the previous semester) are identified. Letters with information about the NHS application process and the deadline for application submission to the high school office are distributed to students and parents.
- Students are selected based on individual evidence of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Students are not accepted into the National Honor Society based on grade point average only.
- Letters of acceptance or non-acceptance are mailed to students and parents.
- New members are formally inducted into the National Honors Society at an Induction Ceremony, scheduled during October or November.
The LCS chapter was started in July of 2002 by Jayne Rabeler, math teacher, remembered for her dedication to excellence in education.
