The CRITERIA we use for membership are the published standards of the National Honor Society and are based on the four pillars of NHS.
Scholarship Each school chapter is allowed to specify a particular cumulative GPA requirement. Briarwood's chapter requires NHS members to maintain a 4.0 cumulative GPA.
Service This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation. Students are encouraged to list all volunteer work they have completed during their high school career.
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. Serving in a leadership position means the activity described would not have occurred or would have been greatly impacted without your participation. These can be “traditional” positions such as a team captain or club officer. They can also be somewhat less obvious roles such as organizing a service activity or chairing a school committee.
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.
There is a misconception that gaining membership into NHS is ONLY about scholarship as represented by a cumulative GPA. A strong academic performance thus far in one’s high school career is what permits a student to apply for membership, but it is not the
singular criteria for membership. Instead, membership is gained by showing equally strong engagement in both service and leadership while consistently exhibiting strong character.
NHS applications are submitted to a faculty council composed of 5 teachers who evaluate the applications according to the 4 pillars outlined above. Candidates will be notified of the faculty council's NHS membership decision within approximately 2 weeks.
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