Hillcrest High School

Hillcrest High School National Honor Society

The purpose of this organization is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of Hillcrest High School. For further information on National Honor Society please visit the web site http://www.nhs.us/ .

What are the eligibility requirements of National Honor Society?

To be eligible for membership the candidate must be a member of those classes (junior, senior) designated as eligible in the chapter bylaws. Candidates must have been in attendance at the school the equivalent of one semester. Some candidates may be ineligible for induction because of the semester ruling. Many students, including students of military parents, are required to move with parents or guardians that have transferred in their work. On the basis of the recommendation of the previous principal, the semester regulation may be waived. 
The national minimum standard for scholarship shall be a cumulative scholastic average of at least a 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in advanced academic classes. Candidates shall then be evaluated on the basis of service, leadership, and character. Induction into National Honor Society occurs once each year in the Fall semester. All students who meet the requirements of membership after sophomore year are eligible for induction. A membership invitation will be issued to those students who are eligible.

Benefits to the Student

• Membership in a nationally recognized Honor Society
• Local recognition for outstanding achievements in scholarship, leadership, service, and character (and citizenship for NJHS)
• Chapter activities that provide students the opportunity to cultivate those ideals within themselves, their schools, and their communities.
• National conferences-including NHS and NJHS National Conference, LEAD Conferences, and National Leadership Camps-enhance local leadership training opportunities and allow students to meet and share ideas and experiences with other outstanding students.
• National scholarship programs that recognize students for their leadership and scholarship achievements. The NHS National Scholarship program, in particular, has recognized outstanding chapter members since 1946.
• A wide variety of insignia merchandise available in The Leadership Store.

Membership Dues and Obligations

National Honor Society dues are $10 annually and must be paid to the chapter sponsor, Mrs. Hydrick. Dues are payable at the end of September each year. In addition to the dues, Honor Society members must complete twelve (12) service hours for each year of membership. These dues and obligations must be fulfilled for membership to remain active and those not meeting dues and service requirements will be dismissed from Honor Society. 

Meetings

Meetings will be announced.

Academic Requirements

National Honor Society members are expected to maintain a minimum scholarship average of 3.5 or above in advanced academic classes. Failure to maintain at least a 3.5 grade point average will result in probation. During probation a member must work to improve but can still participate in monthly meetings and activities. Members on probation failing to improve will be notified in writing of their loss of membership.

Dismissal

Members who are suspended from school, who fail to pay dues, who do not meet the service hours requirement, or who accumulate excessive absences from Honor Society meetings will be dismissed from National Honor Society. Any member dismissed from National Honor Society may not be readmitted.

SERVICE PROJECTS

Each year the activities committee of National Honor Society submits a list of proposed service projects for selection by the membership. The projects will vary from year to year with some appearing each year as a tradition of service for the school and community. This year's service projects include the following:

Tutoring

The National Honor Society offers free tutorial help to Hillcrest students needing assistance in English, math, social studies, or science. This service is provided as a school and community service project with Honor Society members in the eleventh and twelfth grades volunteering an hour each week to work individually with students who need assistance. Tutoring is offered on Wednesday afternoons from 3:20 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Hillcrest High School in Room 401, Mrs. Hydrick's room. Students report to Room 401 where they are paired with a tutor who works with them until 4:00 p.m. in return for one service hour credit. 

Please remember these conditions for participation in the program:

• Each student must have an enrollment form on record
• No eating or drinking is allowed in Room 401.
• Students and tutors are not allowed to have phones out during tutoring.
• Each student must bring materials needed for study.
• Students will remain until 4:00 p.m.
• Parents must be on time. No supervisors will be provided after 4:00 p.m.
• The program is available only on Wednesday afternoons. 
• If a student fails to use his/her time wisely, the parent will be contacted and the student will not be allowed to continue in the program.

If you have any questions concerning our tutorial program, please contact Mrs. Hydrick or any of the school's counselors at Hillcrest High School (342-2800). The National Honor Society of Hillcrest High School looks forward to working with fellow students.

Veteran's Day Cards

NHS members are given the opportunity to make cards for the veterans at the VA Hospital.

Homecoming King Selection

Each homecoming, Hillcrest High School selects a Homecoming King from nominated students who, through their organizations raise the most funds for school-related projects. National Honor Society proudly nominates a student each year for this event.

GRADUATION

National Honor Society seniors wear the white National Honor Society stole at the graduation ceremony in recognition of their academic success and class leadership. These may be purchased for $23.00 from Mrs. Hydrick. Checks should be made payable to Hillcrest High School. Remember, in order to be eligible to wear the stole you must complete your required twelve (12) service hours per year, be current with your annual dues of $10.00, and be an active member in good standing.  Mrs. Hydrick will notify members about dates for purchasing honor stoles in May after all hours are completed.