NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Advisor: Ms. Mallory Schaumberg
HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION
'In 1921, NASSP officially established the National Honor Society. Though many local and regional honor societies existed prior to 1921, no nationwide organization had been founded. Under the leadership of Dr. Edward Rynearson, principal of the Fifth Avenue High School, Pittsburgh, the organization grew from the original Alpha Chapter at the Fifth Avenue School to more than 1,000 chapters by 1930. Equipped with a constitution, an emblem and motto, and a group of dedicated principals as coordinators, the new NHS organization quickly developed into one of the country’s leading educational groups.
Four main purposes outlined in the NHS constitution have guided chapters from the beginning: “To create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools.” These purposes also translate into the criteria used for membership selection in each local chapter. In 1929, NASSP turned its attention to younger students and established the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). With its own constitution and handbook, NJHS has established criteria that parallel the emphases found in NHS with one added purpose—to encourage citizenship. Both NHS and NJHS are programs of NASSP, which appoints a National Council—the controlling body of NHS. In addition, National Council members serve as the selection committee for the prestigious NHS scholarship, which has been administered annually in schools with NHS chapters since 1946.
'In 1921, NASSP officially established the National Honor Society. Though many local and regional honor societies existed prior to 1921, no nationwide organization had been founded. Under the leadership of Dr. Edward Rynearson, principal of the Fifth Avenue High School, Pittsburgh, the organization grew from the original Alpha Chapter at the Fifth Avenue School to more than 1,000 chapters by 1930. Equipped with a constitution, an emblem and motto, and a group of dedicated principals as coordinators, the new NHS organization quickly developed into one of the country’s leading educational groups.
Four main purposes outlined in the NHS constitution have guided chapters from the beginning: “To create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools.” These purposes also translate into the criteria used for membership selection in each local chapter. In 1929, NASSP turned its attention to younger students and established the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). With its own constitution and handbook, NJHS has established criteria that parallel the emphases found in NHS with one added purpose—to encourage citizenship. Both NHS and NJHS are programs of NASSP, which appoints a National Council—the controlling body of NHS. In addition, National Council members serve as the selection committee for the prestigious NHS scholarship, which has been administered annually in schools with NHS chapters since 1946.
ABOUT TC NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Tri-County Selection Criteria is as follows:
~Must be in the 11th or 12th grade.
~Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater.
~Must demonstrate strengths in the 4 pillars held in great esteem for National Honor Society.
Scholarship
Scholarship is characterized by a commitment to learning. A student is willing to spend the necessary time to cultivate his/ her mind in the quest for knowledge. This pillar can only be achieved through diligence and effort. Scholarship means always doing the best work possible, regardless of impending reward.
Service
The pillar of service can be reached in a variety of ways. The willingness to work for the benefit of those in need without compensation or recognition of any kind is a quality that is essential in NHS members. As a service club, the National Honor Society is highly concerned with giving its all to the school and community at large.
Leadership
Leaders take the initiative to aid others in a wholesome manner throughout their daily activities. Leaders sacrifice their personal interests in order to yield to the needs of others. Leaders need wisdom and self-confidence to affect change in all aspects of their lives. Some examples of leadership can include, but are not limited to, leading group activities in the classroom and in the community, being an officer in a club, being a primary member of the band or choir, or being the captain of a sports team.
Character
Character is what distinguishes one individual from another. It is the product of constant striving to make the right choices day after day. Students with good character demonstrate respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship in all of their actions.
Tri-County Selection Criteria is as follows:
~Must be in the 11th or 12th grade.
~Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater.
~Must demonstrate strengths in the 4 pillars held in great esteem for National Honor Society.
Scholarship
Scholarship is characterized by a commitment to learning. A student is willing to spend the necessary time to cultivate his/ her mind in the quest for knowledge. This pillar can only be achieved through diligence and effort. Scholarship means always doing the best work possible, regardless of impending reward.
Service
The pillar of service can be reached in a variety of ways. The willingness to work for the benefit of those in need without compensation or recognition of any kind is a quality that is essential in NHS members. As a service club, the National Honor Society is highly concerned with giving its all to the school and community at large.
Leadership
Leaders take the initiative to aid others in a wholesome manner throughout their daily activities. Leaders sacrifice their personal interests in order to yield to the needs of others. Leaders need wisdom and self-confidence to affect change in all aspects of their lives. Some examples of leadership can include, but are not limited to, leading group activities in the classroom and in the community, being an officer in a club, being a primary member of the band or choir, or being the captain of a sports team.
Character
Character is what distinguishes one individual from another. It is the product of constant striving to make the right choices day after day. Students with good character demonstrate respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship in all of their actions.