National Honor Society

National Honor Society

Founded by the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1921, the National Honor Society was established to "promote high school academic standards, a means of ensuring the continuation of democracy, and an instrument for the betterment of the school." (National Honor Society Handbook, 15th edition, p.3) Lyman Hall's chapter of the National Honor Society is one of more than 16,000 nationwide that seek to encourage the continued academic, social and emotional development of their members.

National Honor Society Selection

1. Qualified members of the junior and senior classes are eligible for selection.
2. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.4 (3.5 starting with the class of 2016) and 50 community service hours are used to determine eligibility. Students who meet these initial criteria for selection are then eligible for consideration on the basis of school activities, community activities, leadership, and character.
3. Students who are eligible are notified in writing by the National Honor Society (NHS) advisor. The letter explains that for further consideration students must complete an Activity Information Form.
4. The advisor distributes the Activity Information Form at a meeting of eligible students.
5. Students complete the Activity Information Form and return it to the advisor on or before the deadline. (No forms will be accepted late.) The purpose of this form is to demonstrate how students have met the criteria leadership, character, and service (see reverse) for induction into the National Honor Society.
6. All faculty members are invited to comment on the candidates. (Faculty members are asked for compliments and comments. The information gathered from the faculty is used to supplement the Activity Information Forms completed by each candidate.)
7. The Faculty Council^* reviews Activity Information Forms with the candidates’ names removed. They also consider discipline records, teacher feedback and community service records.
8. Selection: Candidates receiving a majority vote by the Faculty Council are inducted into the National Honor Society.
9. Notification: Students received notification of selection or non-selection in writing. Selected students also receive information regarding the induction ceremony and the obligations of membership.

*The Faculty Council comprises five voting members appointed annually by the principal from a group of volunteers.

Mrs. Metzger is the advisor to the National Honor Society at Lyman Hall High School. Any questions regarding the process should be directed to them. They are the facilitators of the Faculty Council and are non-voting members. You may them via email at jmetzger@wallingfordschools.org

Three Characteristics of National Honor Society Students:

Service:

This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit. Candidates should demonstrate service beyond the 30 hour minimum requirement for graduation from Lyman Hall High School.

Leadership:

Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

Character:

The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, and generally maintains a good and clean lifestyle. Cheating, plagiarism, and a disregard for school and classroom rules will reflect negatively on character.