What is National Honor Society?

The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginnings in 1921 and 1929. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service. 

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 National Constitution).

Initial Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for selection as a member of the Robstown Early College Chapter of NHS if: 

1. You are either a current sophomore or a junior

2. Have at least a 4.0 on a 5.0 scale (90 out of 100) cumulative high school GPA by the end of the fall semester of 2024.

3. You have been at RECHS for at least one semester.

4. You have good standing attendance.

5. No discipline referrals resulting in DAEP placement. 

If you do not meet one of the requirements above, you can still apply for NHS. The committee has the right to allow someone into NHS even if they do not meet one of the requirements. 

Application Process- Please read carefully

1. Completing and submitting this online candidate form by 4:00 pm on Monday, February 9th, 2026.

2. At least 2 staff member recommendation letters turned in BY the STAFF MEMBER to Mrs. Juarez by 4:00 pm on Monday, February 9th, 2026. 

3. Review of application, staff recommendations, attendance and discipline records, and current GPA by the NHS selection committee.

4. Notification of acceptance or rejection by Wednesday, February 18th, 2026.

5. If accepted, cash payment of $40.00 NHS dues by Friday, February 27th, 2026. These dues cover the cost of the NHS stole and the membership in the National Organization. 

6. Attendance at the induction ceremony on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026.

* It is the student's responsibility to request recommendation letters from staff members and to follow up with them, that they have been completed and turned in.

* Staff recommendation letters MUST be delivered to Mrs. Juarez BY the staff member. NO recommendation letters will be accepted if turned in by the NHS candidate or emailed.  

* Read the following information about the core values of the National Honor Society and use this information to complete your candidate essay. 

The National Honor Society enshrines four pillars at its heart: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. More than mere badges of honor for NHS members, these principles are transformative keys that unlock potential, enhancing every student’s educational journey, and ultimately empowering them to make profound, enduring contributions to our world.

Character

Character is the essence of who we are. It is about valuing diversity, building relationships grounded in empathy, and exhibiting qualities like perseverance, respect, integrity, and honesty. Character lies not in public acts of virtue or visible mistakes, but in the consistent commitment to ethical and compassionate decision-making that positively affects both oneself and others.

Leadership

Leadership is more than a position or title; it means embodying the spirit of initiative, innovation, and influence. It’s about inspiring peers through actions, nurturing a collaborative environment, and championing positive change. Student leaders embrace the responsibility of shaping their academic community, all while fostering personal growth and development. It’s an interplay of intellect, empathy, and resilience, guiding others while continually learning and evolving.

Service

Service represents the choice of stepping outside oneself to meet the needs of others, fueled by an unwavering passion for a cause, heartfelt empathy for others, or driven by personal circumstances. It’s about performing selfless acts that transcend the ordinary, engendering transformative changes that resonate through our schools, ripple across our communities, and reverberate on a global scale. In the noble act of service, we sculpt a better world with our hands, our hearts, and our humanity.

Scholarship

Scholarship is more than a report card; it represents a dedicated commitment to lifelong learning. It’s about optimizing the educational opportunities offered and pursuing knowledge within and beyond academic confines. Scholarship necessitates a consistent effort, with an aspiration to contribute positively to the world through one’s own knowledge, skills, and experiences.

Please answer the following candidate essay question and short answer response question using the above information. 

Please review the NHS Bylaws on the next page before signing and submitting your application.

Once you submit your application, you are responsible for requesting recommendation letters from staff members. You must also follow up with those staff members to ensure their recommendations are completed and submitted on time. Recommendation letters must be submitted directly by the staff member; letters delivered by students will not be accepted. All recommendation letters must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026.