National Honor Society (NHS)

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 neighbor’s yard) 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 is NOT considered service. Local volunteer opportunities are plentiful to get students ready for NHS’ service hour requirements.

Note: For the 2026-27 academic year, the minimum GPA for NHS qualification will be 3.8 and the service hour requirement to apply to NHS is 60 hours.

Review the NHS FAQs for examples of acceptable/unacceptable service hours.

Juniors who have attended West for at least one school year, have a cumulative GPA of 3.8 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 2026.

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.

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.

New members will receive letters of acceptance in early April and will be honored at the Induction Ceremony on APRIL 21, 2026 . New members are required to attend. Members must continue to adhere to the written NHS Code of Conduct, maintain a 3.8+ 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.