National Honor Society (NHS)

The purpose of West High’s National Honor Society is to recognize academic achievement while developing characteristics essential to citizens living in a democracy. In addition to a student’s academic record of a 3.6 grade point average, NHS values leadership skills, strong character and commitment to public service.
(Note: For the 2024-25 academic year, the minimum GPA for NHS qualification will be 3.6 and the service hour requirement to apply to NHS is 60 hours).

In the spring of each year new members are celebrated at the Induction Ceremony. All NHS members are expected to follow the NHS honor code, the Madison Metropolitan School District’s Behavior Education Plan (BEP) and the MMSD Athletic Code. Membership in the National Honor Society is NOT AUTOMATIC and is not determined by 3.6 GPA alone.

There are several steps in the NHS selection process, which occurs after the first semester of a student’s junior year.

STEP #1 Service and Activity Records

West High’s NHS Chapter emphasizes service. One of the requirements for joining NHS is the completion of at least 60 hours of service that can be accumulated beginning after the student’s 8th grade year through March of Junior Year. No more than half of the hours can be from any one project. SERVICE is defined as “volunteer work on behalf of community, society or the planet, for which a student does not receive compensation”. It CANNOT be an activity for which a student receives pay or a grade, part of a class or club requirement, hobby, of trivial impact (ie. cat sitting), a family responsibility (mowing the lawn) or questionable service (watering a neighbors' yards) that doesn't fundamentally help to make society a better place. Membership in a club or on a team, belonging to a scout troop, participation in artistic performances, or work on school projects are NOT considered service. Local volunteer opportunities are plentiful to get students ready for NHS’ service hour requirements.

Service forms are available from the West High NHS webpage and should be completed for each service activity. Students will submit service hour forms during the application process.

STEP #2 Academic Achievement and Self-Nomination

Juniors who have attended West for at least one school year, have a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher at the end of five semesters of high school and have no unresolved behavioral issues or a negative behavior record will receive an email (sent to both student and guardians) notifying them of their eligibility in mid-March 2025.

A qualifying student interested in NHS will submit an application consisting of the following:

• two short essays (prompts will be listed in the email, students will address the topic of character and leadership)
• at least two service forms documenting the 60 hours of service

The deadline for submitting completed applications as stated in the email from the NHS Faculty Committee MUST be adhered to. This will typically be around the end of March. LATE MATERIALS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

STEP #3 Final Selection

Students interested in applying for membership in NHS must demonstrate good character and leadership by complying with school regulations and the school honor code. Any documentation of a violation of school rules, particularly a suspension, may become a factor in a student’s application. West High Faculty will have the opportunity to review the list of students with the appropriate GPA and will provide feedback to the NHS Selection Committee. The Committee will review all materials submitted by students seeking admission to NHS and feedback from the West High School staff. The NHS Faculty Committee will then make the decision on membership and notify all students in writing. Anyone who has questions about the decision should contact the West High School Principal’s office.

STEP #4 Final Acceptance

New members will receive letters of acceptance in early April and will be honored at the Induction Ceremony on April 22, 2025 . New members are required to attend. Members must continue to adhere to the written NHS Code of Conduct, maintain a 3.6+ GPA, be responsible for the service hours required during their senior year and commit to NHS club activities.

A $10 membership dues fee from each NHS member is also required. Please contact an NHS advisor if this fee causes any hardship, scholarships are available.

History of NHS

The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, the NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character.

Since 1921 those four main purposes have guided chapters of NHS from the beginning:
"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." (from the NHS Constitution) With more than 1,000 chapters by 1930, NHS quickly developed into one of the country's leading educational groups. Today, it is estimated that over one million students participate in activities of the NHS and its middle level counterpart, the National Junior honor Society (NJSH). For more information, such as scholarships for members, visit www.nhs.us