National Junior Honor Society

Pillars of Membership:

* Scholarship - Students must first meet this criterion to become candidates for membership. NJHS national policy requires that each chapter set a cumulative GPA as their Scholarship criteria.

* Service - This involves voluntary contributions made by a student and done without compensation. Chapters can require evidence of service to either the school, the community or both. Each chapter sets its own requirements for this criterion.

* 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. Chapters can require evidence of leadership from within school or the community or both. Each chapter sets its own requirements for this criterion.

* Character - The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others. A chapter’s faculty council may review or consider disciplinary records when evaluating this criterion.

* Citizenship - In general, the student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic engagement; has a high regard for freedom and justice; and respects democracy. Each chapter sets its own requirements for this criterion.

Understanding the Obligations of Membership:

Students who accept membership and are inducted into the chapter should be aware of the time and commitment involved with their membership. The chapter adviser should provide new members with a written copy of the chapter’s membership obligations. These obligations may include chapter meetings, chapter service projects and individual service requirements.

Eligibility:

* All students interested in membership must be enrolled at a school with an active NJHS chapter and must have completed the equivalent of one semester of enrollment.

* Chapters may consider students in grades 6–9 for membership. The chapter’s bylaws and published selection procedure description should outline which of these eligible grade levels will be considered for membership in the chapter and when.

Sponsor: Ms. Blakenship