National Junior Honor Society Application Process What is

National Junior Honor Society Application Process

What is NJHS? “National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are the nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school and middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NHS and NJHS serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since their beginnings in 1921 and 1929. ” “Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS and NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U. S. Territories, and Canada. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service. ”

Do I have to do this? Why should I? ? NJHS is an OPTIONAL organization. You may CHOOSE to apply or not apply. You SHOULD apply because…. It is a great way to give back to your community. It will look great on your college applications. Honor Society helps you build qualities that will help you develop as adults.

Scholarship Because of your high grade point average (3. 5 or above), you are qualified to apply. If you choose to apply and are accepted, you must maintain that high average. (Otherwise, you will be put on probation or released. ) Now that you have made it this far, you must APPLY to NJHS. Here’s how…

How do I apply? First, go to the NJHS blog (the address is written on the letter you are receiving today). Download the application and fill it out in FULL. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Turn in your completed applications by MAY 1 to Ms. Mather or Mrs. Sulzer.

Application Section 1: Community. Based Activities (community service) For this section of the application, you will be listing activities which involve the following: both time and effort on your part and serve a need of the community.

Community Service YES – This IS considered community service NO – This is NOT considered community service. Volunteering at the SPCA Volunteering at a soup kitchen Tutoring a child on a consistent basis Raking your neighbor’s leaves unpaid Singing in your church choir Donating money Helping your friend with her homework once Receiving payment for helping out a neighbor

Section 2: Leadership On this section of the application, you will list leadership positions you have held since starting sixth grade You will also explain what you learned/gained from your experience as a leader.

Leadership Continued Yes – This is considered leadership. Student government, club positions, Sports captains/leaders, Faith-based group positions School dance promoter Youth group fundraiser organizer NO - This is NOT considered leadership. Membership on a team Raising your hand in class Doing a presentation in class

Leadership Continued (how to fill out the application) Name of Activity SCA dance committee Youth Group Leadership Position school dance promoter fundraiser organizer Date of Start September 2012 December 2012 Sponsor’s Initials Pick one of the leadership positions you listed above. Name of position: school dance promoter What actions have you taken to help make your organization better? We wanted to make Tuckahoe’s first dance a success. We learned that if we had lots of good prizes at the dance more students would come. We got some businesses to donate good prizes like Panera gift cards and movie tickets. It was a lot of work because I had to also keep up with my homework. On the weekends I visited businesses to ask for prizes. Most of the businesses helped a lot. If you really want to make something a success and you stay organized, you can do it. What have you learned about leadership? When I helped promote the dances, I learned about working in a group, giving other people responsibility, and staying organized. It helped me be a better leader because now I’m not afraid to ask for things.

Section 3: Teacher Recommendations (Citizenship) You must get TWO teacher recommendations. You will give these forms TO the teachers whom you would like to recommend you. You may ask a current teacher or a teacher from last year (so 6 th graders CAN ask their 5 th grade teachers). The TEACHER will turn them in to the appropriate person. Be sure to LIST the names of the two teachers you will be asking to fill out the form for you on your application.

Citizenship Continued (EXCLUDING FACTORS) Excessive detentions and/or administrative referrals may prohibit your eligibility. Any felonies will prohibit your eligibility. The bottom line – Be a good citizen in and out of school.

Section 4: Essay You will be asked to complete an essay as part of your application. The essay will be completed AT SCHOOL on APRIL 23. You will be allowed to use your computer or hand write your essay. The prompt will be given at that time. You will have 60 minutes to complete this essay.

Essay Pointers Begin with an interesting hook. Use vivid and specific details to support your ideas. Organize your ideas. Be sure to keep the essay prompt in mind and stay focused on that topic. Wrap up your ending. End powerfully. Leave time to proofread. Keep your eye on the clock. This IS timed so pace yourself. Be neat.

Section 5: Letter of Recommendation (Character) You will attach ONE signed letter of recommendation from one of your coaches, club sponsors or activity directors mentioned in sections 1 or 2. These should be enclosed in a sealed envelope. We are looking for evidence of character; trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, and caring. It is your responsibility to contact, follow-up, get the letter and attach it to your application. The letter may not be written by a regular classroom teacher unless he/she is also the sponsor or coach of one of your activities.

Letter of Recommendation Continued The letter may not be written by a relative. PLEASE be considerate and allow your coaches and sponsors a few days to write your letter of recommendation. You may want to contact more than one person in the event a coach or sponsor fails to write your letter of recommendation in a timely manner.

Sign the Disclosure! At the end of the application, you will need to SIGN (yes, that means cursive) the disclosure before you turn it in. Your parent/guardian will also need to SIGN. Basically, this states that you understand that there is no guarantee that you will be selected for membership, that the information in the application is true, and that you understand the requirements for remaining a member in good standing.

Putting it all together… Be sure to hand out the two teacher recommendation forms by April 23. Be sure to get your letter of recommendation early. Remember to show up for the essay on April 23. If you are absent on this day, be sure to contact us immediately. Print out your COMPLETED application. Staple the letter of recommendation to the back. Turn in to Ms. Mather or Mrs. Sulzer by May 1.

When is all this DUE? MAY 1