Frequently Asked Questions 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE NHS?T
The purpose of the National Honor Society is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools. As new members of NHS, seniors at GHS contribute their time and talent as Peer Tutors in the school programs, providing a vital service to their school community

WHEN DO STUDENTS APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP? 
Currently, students at GHS with a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or above are invited to apply for membership in the SPRING of their JUNIOR YEAR. Applications are distributed through each House's Guidance Secretary. Students who are academically eligible will be notified by a mailing from GHS.

HOW ARE MEMBERS SELECTED TO THE NHS?
Local National Honor Society chapters are charged with creating a selection process that conforms to the national guidelines, is applied fairly and consistently to all candidates, and provides a meaningful recognition of deserving students. All completed applications for membership are reviewed by the Faculty Council and membership is offered based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Included in the application are adult evaluations of character, leadership, and service. A file review of each applicant's GHS student disciplinary records is conducted and all current GHS faculty members are asked if they support or do not support offering membership to each candidate.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SIGNATURES ON MY APPLICATION?
All signatures and contact information are required for leadership activities and service activities to be considered "verified." The Faculty Council must be able to quickly contact individuals to check on accuracy of the information as needed. All signatures must be from adults who have supervised the candidate. Fellow students may not sign the applications even if they are a supervisor or team leader. Parents or other family members may not sign for their son/daughter/relative. Parents or other family members may not complete any of the recommendation forms. Different people need to complete each recommendation form- no duplicates. Students may have verification faxed or emailed to their respective House Faculty Council member or Guidance Counselor if the person lives too far away to receive their signature on the application. If applicants have previously signed certificates or letters verifying service or membership, these may be attached to the application in lieu of a signature on the application.

WHEN ARE MEMBERS INDUCTED?
Membership is finalized before the end of October and seniors are notified by mail. The NHS Induction Ceremony is held in the fall of Senior Year. The Ceremony is held in the evening and friends and family are welcome to attend.

DO I HAVE TO DO 30 HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE EACH YEAR?
Students must show a commitment to helping others over time. Although we do like to see a student performing at least 30 hours of community service per year, we will accept the 90 hours if they are done between September of freshman year and August of Junior year. Sixty of the ninety hours must be done by May, 2013.We understand that some students cannot perform the 30 hours each year, but we do need to see the hours performed over a large period of time.