Name: ______
NHS APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: READ and FOLLOW carefully!
Academic Requirements:
- At least a 3.6 un-weighted cumulative GPA or a 4.3 weighted cumulative GPA
Directions for completing the NHS application:
1. Please print or type the application neatly and completely. Be sure to follow instructions for each part of the application. Please type the paragraphs on a separate paper and label it with your name. The application is available on Mrs. Hallett’s and Ms. Johnson’s webpage.
· If there is something in your records that you think may hurt your chances of being accepted into NHS, it would be wise to address it in the essay portions of this application.
2. Complete two recommendations, one for character and one for leadership. Please give the teacher/advisor/community member the appropriate form and an envelope with your name on the front. The teacher/advisor/community member should complete the recommendation form and then seal it in the envelope. Each then must sign the back of the envelope over the seal. This is done to ensure confidentiality. The teacher/advisor/community member may either directly mail the form to the High School (c/o NHS Advisor) by the due date or may give it to you sealed.
When selecting your recommenders, select individuals who are most qualified to document your leadership and character. Some thoughts:
· If you are the captain of the school’s soccer team, then ask your soccer coach for the recommendation. If you are an Eagle Scout or have completed your Gold Award, ask your troop leader for the recommendation.
· Family, friends and/or neighbors are not qualified to speak to your leadership and/or character qualities unless they have worked personally with you on some activity.
· For the leadership recommendation, only select a classroom teacher if he or she has seen you lead outside the classroom as well.
3. Please complete the service form documenting SCHOOL (Highlanders for Humanity, Relay for Life, sports camps run with a team, etc.) and COMMUNITY service hours. Every service entry must have a supervisor’s signature. This does not include expected participation in extracurricular activities (such as cleaning after a performance). In the past, members have been denied admission into NHS due to inability to document the required service.
4. Do NOT staple or paper clip any part of your application
5. Place all of the application materials in a manila envelope labeled with your full name. Make sure that your full name is present on each page of the application. Please turn in the envelope to C122 by the end of the school day on Wednesday, September 13, 2017. No late applications will be accepted.
6. Please note: Your application should include everything that you would like the Faculty Council to consider in making its decision. Additional documentation will not be accepted after the application deadline. Make sure your application is complete. Appeals to Faculty Council decisions will not be heard on the basis of missing documentation.
National Honor Society General Application
West Morris Central High School
______
Last Name First Name Middle Initial
Activities:
1. In each table, list all activities you participated in during high school.
2. Indicate each year you participated in the activity.
3. Indicate any leadership positions held. Ideally, your leadership recommendation should be written by the advisor/coach for the activity in which you held a leadership position.
A. School Clubs
Name of Club Short Description of Purpose 9 10 11 12 Leadership Position
B. School Sports
Name of Sport 9 10 11 12 Leadership Position
C. Community Activities/Sports
Name of Activity Short Description of Purpose 9 10 11 12 Leadership Position
How many oHowHow hours do you spend in co-curricular activities on a weekly basis? ______
D. Employment
Place of Employment Job Description 9 10 11 12 Average Hours/Week
E. Special Honors and Awards
Indicate any special recognition, awards, scholarships, or honors that you may have received at the national, state, county, local or school level:
Recognition Short Description (Include Origin of Recognition) 9 10 11 12
F. Academic Honesty
NHS expects a high caliber of character from its members. This includes academic honesty and proper behavior in and out of the classroom. All faculty members are asked to report any academic or behavioral issues regarding all students applying for NHS. These are only shared with the NHS faculty council. We know that mistakes happen. We want to give you a chance to explain your side of any situations from your high school career that you believe may not truly represent who you are as a senior. This is your chance to explain what you learned or what you would do differently. Below is a description of academic honesty based on the student handbook:
Academic dishonesty includes situations where a student is caught cheating on a quiz, paper, lab, etc., plagiarism (copying from electronic sources or other students, the sharing of information with another student, etc). This clause also includes inappropriate use of the school network and the Internet.
Description of incident What you would like us to know about it.
I certify that my responses are true and factual:
______
Signature Date
Personal Statements
**Please create four separate responses (of about a paragraph each) describing how you embody the four pillars of National Honor Society. These responses must be submitted typed along with recommendations and service documentation. See additional documents enclosed.
Response 1: How do you embody outstanding scholarship? What have you achieved and what is your view of scholarship? Use specific examples.
Response 2: How do you embody outstanding community service? This service can be to any community of which you are a part. You may want to consider how your community service contributes to West Morris Central High School. Please give specific, organized service projects that you have been involved in. Explain what your involvement is in light of the national chapter’s standards: “This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit” (www.nhs.us).
Response 3: How do you embody outstanding character? Specifically address examples in your life where you have met the standards put forth by the national chapter: “The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, and…maintains a good and clean lifestyle” (www.nhs.us).
Response 4: How do you embody outstanding leadership? Explain all formal and informal positions where you have lead an organized body of people. Explain how you meet the national chapter’s standards: “Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others”(www.nhs.us).
NHS LEADERSHIP RECOMMENDATION
Student: ______
Your name: ______
Position: ______
Relation to student: ______
Please evaluate the student on the following traits of leadership by circling the correct number on a scale of 0 (low) to 5 (high). Please comment (specific examples) on at least three out of the eight traits, but score all eight traits. NOTE: Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.
Resourceful / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5Example:
Good Problem Solver / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Example:
Promoter of School Activities / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Example:
Idea-Contributor / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Example:
Dependable / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Example:
Organizer / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Example:
Leads Other People / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Example:
Exemplifies Positive attitude about Life / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Example:
Additional Comments:
______
Signature Date
NHS CHARACTER RECOMMENDATION
Student: ______
Your name: ______
Position: ______
Relation to student: ______
Please evaluate the student on the following character traits by circling the correct number on a scale of 0 (low) to 5 (high). Please comment (specific examples) on at least three out of the eight traits, but score all eight traits NOTE: The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics.
Humility / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5Example:
Citizenship/Maintains a Clean Lifestyle / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Example:
Cooperation / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Example:
Honesty/Academic Integrity / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Example:
Reliability / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Example:
Courtesy / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Example:
Concern/Compassion for Others / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Example:
Respect for Others / NA / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Example:
Additional Comments:
______
Signature Date
NHS SERVICE RECOMMENDATION
**READ CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING**
In order to qualify for membership in the National Honor Society, candidates must demonstrate a commitment to service either in school or in the larger community. Candidates for induction into NHS must have accumulated at least 60 hours of unpaid volunteer service, in which at least 10 hours must be community service through or for our school.
Document ALL service hours you have completed during high school. Do not stop at 60. Service hours will be reviewed by the faculty council, and any activity that does meet the standards set forth by the National Honor Society will not be accepted. Examples of unacceptable service include, but are not limited to, any activity in which you or your class/team directly benefits from the outcome. Some examples:
· You help to raise money for your class which will be used to offset the cost of your prom bid. This is not service.
· You are an actor in the fall play and donate your time to help build sets. This is considered a school activity, not service. Participating in the pit orchestra for the school play is also considered an activity, not service.
· Student council activities that promote school spirit are not considered service.
In addition, only twelve (12) hours per year will be awarded for participation in Relay for Life unless there is specific documentation of hours served on a committee.
Please specify the number of hours at each activity, briefly describe the activity, and have a supervisor sign the form attesting to your unpaid service. You may also attach separate letters from the supervisor to vouch for your hours, but they need to be dated and need to specify the number of hours.
Activity: ______
Hours: ______
Description: ______
______
Supervisor’s Signature: ______Title: ______
Activity: ______
Hours: ______
Description: ______
______
Supervisor’s Signature: ______Title: ______
Activity: ______
Hours: ______
Description: ______
______
Supervisor’s Signature: ______Title: ______
Activity: ______
Hours: ______
Description: ______
______
Supervisor’s Signature: ______Title: ______