Membership Selection Process Friday, February 12, 2016 National Honor Society Donald G. Schwab Chapter Sutton Memorial High School Membership Selection Process Friday, February 12, 2016

Why are you eligible? Our chapter of the N.H.S. states in its by-laws that any student that has completed two marking terms of her/his sophomore year with a Grade Point Average of 90 or higher is eligible. On a national level, all one must do to be eligible is to be enrolled in an accredited school, have completed two marking terms/semesters, and have the minimum recommended G.P.A.

The four steps to membership Scholarship (your 90+ G.P.A.) Leadership Service Character

Scholarship You’ve already qualified. Things to consider: You must keep your G.P.A. over 90% at all times. Dropping below is reason for discipline and possible expulsion. Teacher evaluations will also be a factor in evaluating scholarship.

Request for Membership Form There is room for three main examples of leadership (and participation) and service on two separate pages of the application. Choose these wisely and explain in detail. There is room for additional service on another form. The request for membership form must be typed.

Leadership (and Participation) List the obvious: Class offices Student council Team captain Church offices Club offices Work Club officer

Leadership List the not so obvious: Helping teachers Helping coaches Assisting in decorating Work (assignments, duties, etc.) Classroom (participation, group projects, etc.) Verification is highly recommended for these We look for leaders who are both vocal and lead by example.

Leadership To put it simply, if you feel that you are a leader in any area, list it. Make sure you focus on three in particular, but make sure you list anything where you feel you lead. Then, list a reference. Your leadership should be ongoing and consistent. You should list ongoing leadership activities for your primary three. REMEMBER! Just because you are an officer or feel you lead, the sponsor may not agree and that would be held against you. Choose wisely!

Leaderships and Participation This category has been expanded to include participation. Activities in which you are involved that are not a requirement for a classroom grade are evidence of participation. Students with less leadership evidence, may want to include evidence of extracurricular activities. Examples include but are not limited to: church groups, music groups, dance groups, drama, or scouting. This will be evaluated by the selection committee.

Service Anywhere you help out that is volunteer assistance AND you are not paid for is service. Examples: Special Olympics Church activities School activities Community projects Band/choir concerts that are not required

Service List the things that are unusual and EXPLAIN: Example: Someone chooses to go and visit a grandparent on a regular basis to assist his/her family. No pay is involved, but the primary caregiver needs a break, and the visit helps accomplish that. This is an unusual example of service. Unusual service is nice, but does not guarantee selection.

Service Applicants will be scored on the basis of number of community service hours completed at the application deadline. Only service after August 2014 will be counted. All applicants must have activities verified with an official signature and phone number. It is highly recommended that you have 20 to 25 hours of service.

Service Service activities are done for or on behalf of others (usually not family) and for which no compensation (money or other) has been given. The best forms of service are those that are done simply for the mere act of serving. Community service activities should not be duplicated in other parts of the application. This will be evaluated by the selection committee.

Service Bottom line: If you give of your time, give it freely, and do not ask for or receive anything in return (except a signature ), that is service. Explain, in detail, and take credit for what you do. If you serve, list it. If you give, list it. Whatever you do willingly without expectations, list it! Reference letters are great, and contact information is necessary. A worthy candidate should have at least 20 to 25 hours of community service for each year in his/her high school career at the time he/she seeks membership.

Character There is a place at the beginning of the form to write a short essay about your character and the four tenets of the NHS. List why you are a good person and give examples of things you have done to better yourself. List things that you are involved in because you care about community, church, country, school, etc. You are a good person—prove it. The quality of writing makes a difference. Revise, proofread, and make sure it is quality writing—anything less than quality will be held against you. There is a one page limit.

Character Be advised that the following will take place: N.H.S. advisor meets with Assistant Principal/Principal to discuss attendance, discipline issues, and other pertinent information regarding applicants. If there is any incident on record that reflects poorly on your character, your essay should include how you have grown and learned as a result of this. If necessary, teachers & coaches will be contacted to verify assertions/claims.

Sell yourself! No matter how humble you are, this is not the time to be that way. You must promote yourself! While the words of your teachers, coaches, and other leaders will verify or deny your claims, it is not their job to sell you. You must sell yourself! Service and leadership Must be verified with a signature and contact.

Selection process Advisor will facilitate the selection process Lisa Sypek, Advisor 5-person N.H.S. faculty council Mrs. Deborah O’ Neil Mr. Ryan Wandyes Mr. Matt Perrin Mrs. Christina Tuomala Mrs. Erin Miller

Selection process Requests for Membership are due no later than Thursday, March 10 @ 10:30 a.m. No exceptions! Faculty council will gather together the following weeks to make the selections. You will be notified by mail of your acceptance or denial during the first two weeks of April. Any questions should be directed to the advisor first and then the principal.

Requests for Membership must include: Profile sheet/essay Leadership form Service form Additional service Letters that verify service/leadership. Signed Checklist One complete hard copy with signatures (no digital submission is required).

Requests for Membership must include: Your Request will include the names of 3 teachers who have agreed to complete an Evaluation Form. Choose teachers and subjects carefully . These teachers need to evaluate you in areas that reflect NHS standards (scholarship, leadership and character). These forms must be submitted to teachers by February 26, 2016.

Induction process There will be an induction practice after school, 2:15 p.m., on Tuesday, April 26 and during advisory on April 27th. The induction will take place Wednesday evening, April 27, @ 7 p.m.

Things to remember Sophomores: the likelihood of your acceptance is less likely than a junior. They have had one more year of school than you, and henceforth have had more time to accumulate credentials. Juniors: you have had an extra year, and your application should shine. Make it of the highest quality.

Things to remember Seniors: this is your final opportunity to apply. Make the most of it. If you are accepted, be proud of your acceptance, but also be gracious to those who are not. A N.H.S. member is supportive of all. Request for Membership form is only available by accessing it on school fusion. A class webpage is named NHS.

Final things to remember You must submit your own Request for Membership by 10:30 on March 10, 2016. You must sign that you have submitted. Submissions will only be accepted before school or after school. You must submit directly to Mrs. Sypek. This PowerPoint is also available on the NHS school fusion page should you have questions. See me with any questions, sooner rather than later.