National Honor Society

Qualifications & Requirements

NHS welcomes all junior and senior students with a CUMULATIVE weighted academic GPA of 4.0 or above. Students are considered for membership based on their academics, service, leadership and character. Each student is reviewed by both their teachers and the dean’s office to ensure they will be a positive representation of the high standards of National Honor Society. Students must have been attending an American high school for one year to be eligible to apply and in attendance at JSerra Catholic High School for one year.

What is expected of members? National Honor Society members are student leaders who show resourcefulness, promote school activities, are dependable and exemplify positive attitudes. Members of NHS show excellent character and uphold the principles of morality and ethics. Members are cooperative, reliable and show courtesy and concern for others. NHS members maintain a good and clean lifestyle. Each member of National Honor Society understands the importance of civic involvement and has a high regard for freedom, justice, and democracy.

I. Academics

• NHS members must maintain a 4.0 weighted Academic G.P.A.
• No violations of academic integrity or discipline of a serious nature. Violations will result in an immediate removal from NHS.

II. Attendance

• NHS members must attend all monthly meetings (see attached calendar). One absence per semester is allowed.
• Absences are closely monitored by NHS officers and all absences must be reported to either Mrs. de Boisblanc or the NHS Secretary.
• Any member in violation of the attendance policy will be suspended from NHS with possibility of dismissal from NHS.

III. Service

• Members are required to serve a minimum of 10 hours of service per semester.
• Members must attend one NHS Student Assistance Program per quarter.
• Service hours may be obtained through either the NHS Teacher Assistant program or through peer tutoring.
• To be a Peer Tutor, NHS member must maintain an A in the subject.
• Members are required to attend one JSerra cultural event per semester. This can be a play/art show/choir performance, etc. This will fulfill 2 service hours per event.
• Members are required to help/participate in all NHS sponsored activities, including but not limited to: Thanksgiving Food Drive, Adopt-a-Family for Christmas, Father/Daughter Dance, and Lilies of the Valley Orphanage Service Projects.

Any divergence from the above may result in removal from NHS.

Service Hours must be of an Academic nature. Some ideas . . .

• Helping a local school’s Academic Decathlon
• Tutoring at the Boys & Girls Club in San Juan Capistrano
• Marco Forster Middle School tutoring
• Big Brother/ Big Sister organization
• San Juan Capistrano Youth Advisory Board
• Silverado Nursing Home

. . . or come up with something you are passionate about and get information and approval from NHS Adviser.
 

National Honor Society promotes recognition for students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of character, scholarship, leadership and service. Through NHS chapter service activities, members maintain and extend the qualities that win them selection. Membership is an honor and a commitment. It is a privilege, not a right.

Student Activity Information Forms must be submitted in a neat and well organized form. The selection process decisions are final. To ensure fairness, the Faculty Council is given national rules and regulations as well as the guidelines of the J Serra Catholic High School Chapter prior to evaluation. Not all students are awarded membership. Even if a student meets all of the requirements, membership is not guaranteed.

Carefully read over the membership requirements. Before committing to filling out your information form, please remember that you must meet ALL the qualifications below. Forms that are not properly completed or received after the posted deadline will not be considered for membership. In accordance with the bylaws of National Honor Society, late forms will NOT be accepted for consideration.

Summary of Requirements

• Junior or Senior year
• Cumulative weighted GPA of 4.0 or above. Members are required to maintain this GPA throughout the year.
• At least one year in attendance at JSerra Catholic High School
• No incidence of academic dishonesty
• Students must submit 2 formal recommendations.
  • 1 written recommendation from a teacher who can speak about your honor and your admirable qualities.
  • Neither recommendation is to come from a family member.
  • Both recommendations must be placed into sealed, signed envelopes and attached to the back of the application.

For questions, please email nhs@jserra.org.

All service hours must be verified by the appropriate person in charge of the event. Cultural events will be verified by any NHS officer with a picture of you in attendance, tutoring is verified by the student being tutored, etc.

2023-2024 Mandatory Meeting Dates

2nd Lunch on Campus

Note: Dates are subject to change.

2024-2025 Mandatory Meeting Dates

2nd Lunch on Campus

Note: Dates are subject to change.

Applications for the 2024-2025 school year will be accepted until April 12, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.

No late applications will be given consideration. No email applications will be accepted.

Required Documents

1. Student Activity Information Form
2. Teacher Evaluation Form

Questions? Please see Mrs. de Boisblanc in Room 3205.

If you are interested in tutoring with an NHS member, please contact your counselor for assistance.