What is the criteria to be inducted into the National Honor Society?
Selection Guidelines Updated February, 2025
Selection to NHS is a privilege bestowed upon students by the faculty of the school, and not considered a right inherent to any student. Technically, students do not apply for membership. Instead, they await a request or invitation to provide information to be used by the faculty council to support their candidacy for membership. Membership is granted to those students selected by the faculty council on the condition of their having met the standards for selection.
Standards for Selection
During the second quarter of the school year, students in 11th and 12th grade, will be assessed by their GPA from the end of the previous school year. All students who have a GPA of at least an 87.5, will receive an invitation to complete a candidate information packet.
Based on the information collected, the faculty council of the chapter selects students who demonstrate outstanding performance in community service, leadership, and character.
Community Service
To be selected as a member of the New Paltz Chapter, a candidate must demonstrate on their candidate information form the completion of at least 20 hours of community service. This service must include at least two different opportunities since the start of ninth grade. This information must be verified with a signature from an adult supervising the activity.
Leadership
To meet the leadership criterion for NHS, a student must name at least two leadership roles at school or in the community achieved since the ninth grade. More than two roles may be listed, but there must be two verifiable listings to be selected to our chapter.
Character
Each student will submit 5 teacher/coach recommendations. To be selected, three of the five teachers must “highly recommend” the student for NHS. In addition none of the teachers can “not recommend” the student.
The leadership, service, and character of all students will be reviewed carefully by all members of the faculty council. Each member of the faculty council will vote on each candidate. Those candidates receiving a majority vote will be invited to be inducted in the chapter.
