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National Honor Society – Criteria for Membership

Gladys E. Newell Chapter of the National Honor Society

Membership in the National Honor Society (NHS) is based on a student's fulfillment of four basic requirements, beginning with "scholarship," which is reflected by a strong academic record. Students who meet the minimum GPA requirement of 94% are eligible to be nominated during Junior year by the NHS Committee, made up of the district's academic supervisors.  Nominees must be exemplary in all four areas outlined below to be considered.  A student must have been at Bethlehem Central High School for at least one semester. Prior records in all categories are reviewed for transfer students. Juniors eligible for consideration for membership in the National Honor Society must meet the GPA requirements .

The four  basic requirements for membership are scholarship, character, leadership, and service.

Scholarship

Juniors eligible for consideration for membership in the National Honor Society must have a 94% GPA. A student must have been at Bethlehem Central High School for at least one semester. Prior records in all categories are reviewed for transfer students.

Character

Teachers, coaches, and advisors will make assessments regarding character. Potential NHS members must possess distinctive qualities which include, but are not limited to:

  • Integrity and Ethics – an uncompromising adherence to a code of honesty and sincerity; and
  • Cooperation – a willingness to work in concert with students and faculty toward a common goal which enriches and enhances our school community.

Leadership

Students eligible for membership must demonstrate effective leadership.  This may be accomplished not only as an elected official, chairperson, or member of committees, clubs, organizations, and/or athletics, but also in the classroom by exhibiting intellectual curiosity, demonstrating positive behavior and attitudes, and accepting responsibility.  The activity form provides space to identify specific leadership roles.

Service

All potential members are asked to complete a Student Activity Information Form . A student must have been involved in a high school non-scholastic, service type activity (i.e., sports, chartered clubs, and student government) lasting two consecutive years. A student must also be involved in a second non-scholastic community or high school service lasting one year in duration. Participation in these activities will be verified. Lessons, Participation in Government (P.I.G.) service or salaried jobs do not count as non-scholastic service activities

Application and Membership

Selected juniors will receive invitations to attend an informational meeting in April. They are responsible for completing an application and documenting their service/activity hours .

The Faculty Council may dismiss any member failing to fulfill these obligations. Dismissal will result in the removal of the NHS designation from school records.

National Honor Society Selection Process

  • Students must have a 94% GPA to be considered for NHS
    • GPA will be calculated at the midterm of Junior year
  • Teachers will be given a list of qualified students who will contact the NHS advisor if there are any concerns regarding a student meeting the character requirement.
  • The NHS committee, consisting of District Supervisors, will rate evaluations and invite qualified candidates to submit the NHS student application form. ( documenting their service/activity hours )
  • Successful candidates will be invited to the NHS induction Ceremony
  • NHS students must remain in good standing throughout their Junior and Senior years.
  • Appeal Process – Students must see the NHS advisor to appeal the committee's decision.