National Honor Society

On average, 10% of the Upper School student population participates in National Honor Society. The purpose of the National Honor Society is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to promote a desire to render service, to encourage leadership, and to develop character in students of secondary schools. At Sparhawk High School, member selection is based upon the following method. 

1. The registrar will verify academic eligibility (cumulative GPA of 3.5) and humanistic eligibility (85%) after each semester of the junior or senior years. 

2. A letter of invitation will be delivered to each eligible student. The letter will notify each student of the procedures and deadlines to follow if they wish to seek National Honor Society (NHS) selection. The responsibility for obtaining, completing, and returning the Application for NHS Membership and all other required materials by the deadline lies with the student.

3. Leadership, character, and service are key components for selection in National Honor Society. A student’s cumulative GPA simply makes them eligible for membership consideration. Teachers will complete rating sheets using the attached rubric, to evaluate a student’s observed leadership, character, and service.

4. The National Honor Society Adviser will collect the teacher rating sheets, chart the ratings on a spreadsheet, and average the ratings for each student.

5. The Faculty Council will meet after all information sheets have been submitted and rating sheets have been compiled. The Faculty Council will review the information sheets and ratings, then select those students who meet the established standard for the Sparhawk High School National Honor Society.

Each chapter is required to publish its qualifications for membership, which is based on the four pillars of NHS:

Scholarship

Students who are invited to become NHS members must maintain the minimum GPA. 

Service

This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation.

Leadership

Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

Character

The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintains a clean disciplinary record.

Students who meet the scholarship requirement will have an opportunity to complete a form detailing their accomplishments in and commitment to service, leadership, and character.

Understanding the Obligations of Membership

Students who accept membership and are inducted into the chapter should be aware of the time and commitment involved with this honor. For example, there will be chapter meetings. The chapter bylaws articulate the yearly meeting schedule and member attendance obligations. Members also must participate in chapter and individual service projects to benefit the school and community.

Activities undertaken by NHS members promote academic excellence and continued education by Sparhawk students.  Although they are involved in various social activities also (café, MS dances), they are mostly involved in promoting academic excellence and leadership through tutoring and speaker programs.