National Junior Honor Society

What is National Junior Honor Society?

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) officially established NJHS in 1929, eight years after it founded National Honor Society for high school students.

Five main purposes have guided chapters of NJHS from the beginning: to create enthusiasm for scholarship; to stimulate a desire to render service; to promote leadership; to encourage responsible citizenship; 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.

Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in NJHS activities.  NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, US Territories, and around the world. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

(Taken from www.njhs.us.)

 

Who is eligible for NJHS?

At Beacon Park, in accordance with national standards set by NJHS, 8th Grade students may first qualify for an invitation through their demonstration of success in the area of Scholarship by having a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale during their 7th Grade year.  Please note that just because a student qualifies based on his/her cumulative GPA does not mean that he/she will automatically be invited to join NJHS.  Candidates are additionally evaluated according to the remaining four NJHS pillars of Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship.

 

Who chooses inductees into the NJHS?

The Faculty Council is an anonymous group of faculty members that make final decisions about which students are to be invited for induction into NJHS.  The Faculty Council also serves as the group that determines if a student should be dismissed because of a failure to meet expectations in one of the five areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, or Citizenship.  Neither the principal nor the NJHS adviser have a vote on the Faculty Council and will not be making any decisions regarding acceptance, rejection, or dismissal.

 

What does an exemplary NJHS candidate look like?

Scholarship: Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale meet the scholarship requirement for membership.  These candidates are then evaluated on the basis of service, leadership, character, and citizenship for eligibility. 

Service: This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by students to the school or community--done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit.

Leadership: Student leaders are resourceful problem solvers; promoters of school activities; and idea contributors.  Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities.

Character: Students of good character uphold principles of morality and ethics; are cooperative; demonstrate high standards of honesty and reliability; show courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintain clean disciplinary records.

Citizenship:  Students who demonstrate citizenship understand the importance of civic engagement; have a high regard for freedom and justice; respect democracy; respect the law for all citizens at the local, state, and federal levels; and demonstrate mature participation and responsibility in activities such as scouting, community organizations, or school clubs.