What is NHS? 

The National Honor Society is an organization that recognizes high school students who have exhibited excellence in the areas of leadership, scholarship, service and character. More than one million students across the U.S. are active in NHS chapters in their schools. NHS is one of our most active organizations at Woodcreek High School; each year our members plan and run several large-scale community service projects and serve as leaders and role models at WHS in a variety of ways. Membership in NHS is an honor recognized by colleges and universities, and we take it very seriously.

Who can be in NHS?

NHS is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors with at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA who demonstrate leadership skills, commitment to school and community service, and strong character. Students who are interested in being considered submit a Student Information Form and a faculty reference form to Ms. Schlaman by the designated deadline. A five-member faculty council screens the forms and selects candidates to interview. These students participate in a 15-minute group interview that further explores leadership potential and other qualities we feel are essential in NHS members. Candidates are notified in the two days following interviews, and those selected will be honored at our fall Induction Ceremony.  The candidate letter contains more information about the selection process.

What is the Commitment?

NHS meets every Wednesday morning at 7:00. Members are expected to attend all meetings and to contact the officer in charge of their group if they are ill or have a conflict with a particular meeting. Up to three absences are allowed per term. Students with ongoing morning conflicts (Jazz Ensemble, Athletic PE, etc.) are asked to attend every other meeting as arranged with the teacher/advisor of the other activity and to communicate with the officer in charge of their group on the weeks they do not attend.

Additionally, each group plans and runs one community service project in either the fall or the spring and engages in other service activities in the other term. All members are expected to contribute to the planning and organization of the project and to be present and working on the day of the event. While we recognize that every member cannot be everywhere, we do expect every member to contribute. Planning a community service event may involve attending a work party at a member’s house, selling tickets to family and friends, soliciting donations from businesses, or any number of other activities. We ask that all members share in that work so that a few people don’t have to absorb the bulk of the load.

All members are also asked to work with a group of 3-6 other people to plan and run a booth at the Woodbridge Elementary School spring carnival.

Spring, 2012 Selection Process Timeline