National Honor Society/Jr. National Honor Society

Who We Are

The National Honor Society (NHS) is a nationwide organization in the United States that recognizes high school students for their excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character (the “four pillars” of the NHS program). By joining the NHS through an application process, students commit to maintaining a high level of academic achievement, ethical conduct in their communities, and completing two community service projects each year.

NHS chapters operate in all 50 states and many schools around the world, engaging and serving more than 1.4 million students. At the Cottonwood School, the NHS program is an extracurricular student organization – a “club” – open to students from 7th – 12th grades. National Honor Society (NHS) membership has been the true mark of student achievement for over 100 years, but it goes far beyond a report card. By empowering, championing, and recognizing well-rounded students, NHS provides schools with a values-based framework to elevate a culture of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

Why NHS?

Students are often interested in NHS and its counterpart, the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), because of the proximity to other motivated students, engaging social activities, and fulfilling community service projects. Successful participation in NHS or NJHS offers students a differentiating achievement in their high school years, which showcases leadership and a dedication to community.
Additionally, listening to students makes them stronger, and students listening to other students compounds this strength. This student-led program empowers and equips students with the knowledge and skills to be transformative leaders in their school, their communities, and beyond.

Program Requirements

Students who are interested in joining our program should be aware of our program requirements. These requirements are used by the program advisers to monitor member participation and ensure member compliance. Members who decide to leave the program, or are asked to leave for non-compliance reasons, may not reapply in the future.

Monthly Zoom meetings | 3rd Tuesday of each month | 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Regular attendance/participation | (1) absence per semester allowed
Cameras are on during meetings
Each year, members will complete an Individual Service Project (ISP)
Each year, members will participate in a Group Service Project (GSP)
Members will attend at least (2) in-person events throughout the year
Members agree to uphold our core pillars:

CHARACTER

SCHOLARSHIP

LEADERSHIP

SERVICE

Application Requirements

Below you will find a list of requirements to apply for the National Honor Society. Students who are interested in applying should know that our application is rather lengthy; therefore, we suggest that students gather the required elements before starting the application.

Applications open Tuesday, Sept. 02, 2025
Applications close Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 @ 4:30 PM
NHS Applicants | Grades 10-12 | 3.75 GPA Required on Official Report Card
NJHS Applicants | Grades 7-9 | 3.5 GPA Required on Official Report Card
Prior leadership or service experience

Applicants may list multiple positions or experiences.

Please note: at least one leadership position or community service experience is required for eligible candidates.

Information on work experience, recognition, or awards
1-2 Page Reflective Essay

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member.
Share unique skills you would bring to the program.
Explain why community service is important and provide a possible community service event you would like to participate in this year.

2-Minute Intro Video

Who are you, and why do you want to be a member?
Special skills and experiences that make you a good candidate.
Be creative!

One Personal Reference (non-family) with a Letter of Recommendation

Induction Ceremony

The Induction Ceremony formally recognizes and celebrates new members of the program. This virtual ceremony will take place on an evening in early November TBD. More information will be sent out to new prospective members after applications have been reviewed and approved.