A question and answer session regarding the National Honor Society application process will be held on Wednesday, September 28th at 2:45 in the Blue Room
What counts as community service and how does it affect hours already documented in Campus Ministry?
Community service is any specified or unspecified, non-paying service done to help other individuals, organizations or communities. If you want to use hours that are documented in your Community Service booklet, simply xerox the page from the booklet and attach it to your form. Service hours done for NHS applicability are not subtracted from current graduation requirements. Basically, you just need to show the committee that you have completed 20 hours of service; you can "re-use" these hours as your required service hours for graduation.
What if you do not have a signature for an activity that requires one? Will just a contact name and phone number suffice?
A signature is required on NHS application forms so that NHS committee members who select students can verify any activities the student has listed. If it is absolutely impossible to acquire a signature, contact name and information should be listed for verification. Remember that a contact signature does not have to be directly on the NHS application. Students can photocopy other documented proofs of service and attach them to NHS application.
What is the latest date that an activity can be added to the application form?
Students can and are encouraged to list ALL activities participated in until the due date of the application form, October 1, 2004. Future/planned participation is generally not considered by the committee. The intent to participate is not enough; we’re looking for demonstrated service.
Can activities that apply to more then one application category (leadership, community or co-curricular) be put in both sections of the application?
Yes, students can put activities that apply to more then one category in both sections of the application.
How do you list activities that have been participated in for more then one year?
Write activity and under the heading Year list all years activity was participated in.
Example
Activity Year Accomplishment
SGA 9,10 Blanket Drive Committee
What counts as a “major accomplishment” for an activity?
Anything that stands out is considered an accomplishment in an activity. NHS is looking for students who display excellence and are distinct from others in school community.
Are community activities limited to those done to better Anne Arundel County or can they count as those done in different states or countries?
Community activities have no geographical limitations, though we strongly encourage service to the local community.
How should the essay look? Format?
The essay can be written in whatever format the student desires. As with all writing, organization and clarity are key.
Are there a certain number of NHS applicants accepted?
There is no limit to the number of students accepted into NHS. However, the Faculty Council is very selective and the entire information packet provided by a student as well as his or her discipline record, is reviewed rhouroughly and carefully.
How are NHS members selected?
Mrs. Mahar selects five teachers who will review students’ disciplinary records, information packets and essays and vote on students’ acceptance. Majority rules. Ms. Holmes and Mrs. Carter preside over the meetings to review perspective members, but do not vote. Students will be notified prior to the induction date, regardless of the decision.
If a student is accepted into NHS what are the responsibilities?
A student must maintain same standards that got him or her accepted into NHS. They must maintain a 3.5 GPA, and complete 10 hours of service to the Spalding community each year. Members are required to participate in at least two RAP sessions per year (which count toward the 10 hours of service), volunteer for school events such as Open House, Freshmen Orientation Day, Incoming Class Registration Day and come to monthly meetings.
NHS is not a commitment that is to be taken lightly, and it is possible to be dismissed from NHS. If you commit any type of academic dishonesty, or are involved in a disciplinary incident, your membership may be revoked.
Remember…
Ø Make sure every component of essay and information packet (parent and student signatures, contact information etc.) are completed correctly.
Ø The deadline for your application and essay is Wednesday, October 5th by 3:30 p.m. Please make sure you turn in all of your paperwork including your essay. Students must turn in their packets before or after school to Mrs. Eargle (Room 210) or Mrs. Klase (Room 202). Students may turn them in earlier, but late packets will not be accepted or considered.
