National Junior Honor Society
What is National Junior Honor Society?
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) elevates a school’s commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. These five pillars have been associated with membership in the organization since its inception in 1929.
Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in NJHS activities. NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, US Territories, and around the world . Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.
As such, NJHS chapters and students are in schools that care not only about student achievement, but also community engagement.
Five main purposes have guided chapters of NJHS from the beginning: to create enthusiasm for scholarship; to stimulate a desire to render service; to promote leadership; to encourage responsible citizenship; and to develop character in the students of secondary schools. These purposes also translate into the criteria used for membership selection in each local chapter. (taken from NJHS)
Who is eligible for NJHS?
Students may apply to our school’s chapter, Charger Pride, once given an invitation to do so by our faculty council. Invitations are based on a student’s level of scholarship. Students must meet or exceed the national minimum standard: a cumulative GPA of 85 percent (3.0). While Scholarship alone does not guarantee admittance into Charger Pride, it is the primary basis for an invitation. Applicants must also demonstrate the remaining pillars- service, leadership, character, and citizenship to be considered for admittance.
Who chooses the inductees into the NJHS?
The faculty council is comprised of the middle school teachers as well as the principal. Once all applications have been submitted, the faculty council reviews all the students' qualifications to see if they would be a good candidate for NJHS.
Can a student be removed from the NJHS?
A student can be dismissed from NJHS if he/she no longer maintains the standards of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship that were used as a basis for his/her selection. The faculty council can discipline members by placing them on probation during which time the member is considered to be "not in good standing" with the chapter, although the student still retains membership. Written notification is given to the member stating the violation and the length of the probationary period. If the member is not able to get back in good standing, then he/she faces dismissal. Once a student is dismissed, he/she is never again eligible for membership in NJHS. Note: Dismissal from NJHS does not prohibit a student from eligibility for the National Honor Society.
Is there an official website for the NJHS?
Yes, the National Junior Honor Society does have a website. It can be found here.