What is National Junior Honor Society?

Established in 1929, the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is one of the nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1929.

Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS (High School) and NJHS (Middle School). NHS and NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories, and Canada. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service. (Taken from www.nhs.us. Accessed 12/10/11)

Who is eligible for NJHS?

At KMS, in accordance with national standards set by NJHS, students qualify for an invitation through their demonstration of success in the area of scholarship.  That means, students in 7th or 8th grade with a cumulative GPA of 3.6 on an 4 point scale will receive an invitation to fill out an application to give examples of their accomplishments in the remaining areas of Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship.  

However, any student may pick up an application during the application window and apply for membership.

What does an exemplary NJHS candidate look like?

Scholarship: Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.60 (on a 4.0 scale) meet the scholarship requirement for membership. These students        are then eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership, and character (and citizenship for NJHS).

Service: This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit.

Leadership: Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

Character: The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, and generally maintains a good and clean lifestyle.

 If I'm a 6th grader, what can I do to become a better candidate for NJHS in 7th and 8th grade?

One of the best things you can do as a 6th grader is to have really strong grades.  You should work hard every day in school because as a 7th grade inductee, you will qualify in the area of scholarship based on your grades in 6th grade!  Also, becoming involved in school clubs and activities, following all school rules and being a great role model for other students will give you strong teacher recommendations.  In addition, outside of school, you can begin to track community service hours (work in which you don't receive some kind of pay) in order to strengthen your information sheet.

What do you do in NJHS?   

The goal of NJHS is to build leaders and do service.  Other than that, the activities are up to the NJHS members.