NHS is an organization that promotes leadership, service and honors high school students who have shown outstanding academic achievement. It was founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1917 during his term as President of the United States.
Each chapter administers its own unique program to identify those students who wish to be part of the NHS. To be eligible for membership in NHS, a student must have at least a 3.5 GPA or higher. In addition to excelling academically, candidates must also demonstrate service to others and/or leadership skills through involvement in school activities or community service projects. While each chapter has its own requirements for membership into NHS, many require that members complete at least 10 hours of community service each year and attend monthly meetings with their fellow members as well as other events throughout the year.
Students must be nominated by their high school faculty members to be considered for membership in NHS. Students who are nominated must then be approved by their high school administration. Students with strong academic records are often invited to join by their guidance counselors, along with leaders in student government, athletics, music, and other extracurricular activities.
