National Honors Society: the name means something. Students apply because it will look good on an application and there’s a reason for that. Not just anyone can get in. NHS only accepts the best of the best.

Some people believe that NHS is too hard to get into. However, that is the point. If NHS was easy to get into, acceptance would not be as meaningful. It would not pull as much weight on an application.

I am not saying those who do not get into NHS are not as worthy as students who do get in. I am not saying the system is perfect either; all systems have their flaws. All I am saying is that the NHS application process is difficult for a reason.

Often times there are people who think the process is too grueling because extracurriculars should not be as big of a deal. People think, if you have good grades and community service, you should be accepted.

However, NHS is looking for well-rounded students; kids who not only excel in class and help the community, but who also participate in clubs and sports.

Some people believe the selection committee excludes work experience when viewing an applicant’s extracurriculars, but NHS advisers at Perry do take students’ jobs into consideration.

“The goal of NHS is to recognize those well rounded students in every part of their high school career, not just academics or community service,” NHS adviser, Mr. Myers said.

Another problem most people seem to have with the application process is that every school has different standards.

“Each school has different focuses. Each school has its own unique culture and that’s part of what makes the schools have different requirements.”

I personally do not have a problem with this because every school is different and the standards should be set accordingly. Students argue that Perry’s NHS has particularly high standards for its members.

“At the national level NHS allows each chapter to set its own guidelines for admissions and we’ve decided, here at perry high school, to set the standard incredibly high,” Myers said.

I believe that is a good thing. High standards says a great thing about our school: that all the students are great so the bar must be especially high.

“This year we have over 700 people that meet the minimum requirement of a 3.8 GPA,” Myers said, further proving that Perry students excel in academics.

Overall, NHS is about inspiring students to do great things. The club inspires its members to volunteer and help the community, but the club also inspires nonmembers. If you do not get into NHS the first year that you apply, do not give up. Do not be bitter and claim the system is rigged. NHS is about inspiring people, so get inspired. Get your grades up, get out and help your community, and get involved in your school.

The prestige. The honor. The distinguishment. These are all perks that come with acceptance to the National Honor Society. NHS is one of the most competitive and esteemed groups on campus. Many students spend their first 2 years of high school working to qualify for an invitation for NHS.

Let us rewind for a second, just to makes sure you were paying attention. Many sophomores, juniors, and even seniors wait in anticipation for the invitation to apply.

Apparently, not “just anyone” can handle the grace and majesty of and NHS invitation. In order to receive a precious invitation, students must have a 3.8 GPA, weighted or unweighted.

One qualification that the NHS application committee looks for in students is “well rounded.” But what defines well rounded? NHS advisor Jason Myers commented that “the selection committee is always looking for well rounded people. Student athletes, people that are heavily involved here at Perry High School, we’re always looking for those kind of people.”

There is no specific rubric to follow that guarantees acceptance into NHS. There is no set number of clubs or hours that you must have in order to get in. According to the PHS Chapter Bylaws for NHS, “upon meeting the grade level, enrollment, and GPA standards, candidates shall then be considered for induction based on their service, leadership, and character through the application process.”

It seems most students do not know how to interpret these conditions, which is understandable since it is so vague. For example, many students have racked up dozens of service hours through church functions and organizations. However, according to NHS, if the church activity does not directly benefit the community, the service hours do not count because the service is only helping the church. But isn’t a church part of a community? Isn’t it true people are still being helped?

In addition to some hours not counting, NHS is very picky about the hours students submit and which organizations they come from. They like to see a “variety of hours.”. However, doesn’t it look a lot better when you’re dedicated to one organization and have spent a lot of time with them?
NHS also looks at student’s leadership experience at school and in the community. However, there are only so many leadership opportunities out there, and not everyone is cut out to be a leader. Students could be heavily involved in half a dozen clubs, but not be a leader in any of them. What type of weight would those clubs pull against someone else’s leadership experience?

Although NHS needs to stay fairly competitive to uphold a standard of excellence, there must be a uniformity in the way candidates are selected, as well as a consideration for students involvement in clubs and activities and a change in the way hours are considered.