About the Chapter

Scholarship is characterized by a commitment to learning. A student is willing to spend the necessary time to cultivate his/ her mind in the quest for knowledge. This pillar can only be achieved through diligence and effort. Scholarship means always doing the best work possible, regardless of impending reward. Some characteristics of scholars include:

• Committed to learning and curious about a wide variety of topics and issues
• Lifelong learners
• Confident they can do the work, even if they are uneasy at first about a class, an assignment, or a teacher
• Willing to do the work, even if it is challenging, when they are given a rationale for it
• Willing to seek help (from professors, peers, tutors, counselors)
• Willing to acknowledge and tolerate risk
• Willing to accept and respond to constructive criticism
• Willing to use and to develop further their skills at collaboration
• Critical thinkers, eager to ask questions and listen to others
• Eager to make connections among topics in their classes, world, and personal lives, to see the big picture of education and life
• Creative, enjoying the new patterns that emerge from old ideas

National Honor Society is a member of the Character Counts! Coalition. Through this activity, the society supports and recommends the use of a multi-faceted definition of character known as the “Six Pillars of Character.” A person of character demonstrates the following six qualities: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship. In addition, it can also be said that the student of character:

• Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously
• Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability)
• Upholds principles of morality and ethics
• Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc.
• Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability
• Regularly shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others
• Observes instructions and rules, is punctual, and faithful both inside and outside the classroom
• Has powers of concentration, self-discipline, and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies
• Manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others
• Actively helps rid the school of bad influences or environment.

Service is generally considered to be those actions taken by the student which are done with or on behalf of others without any direct financial or material compensation to the individual performing the service. In considering service, the contributions this candidate has made to school, classmates, and community, as well as the student’s attitude toward service can be reviewed. The student who serves:

• Volunteers and provides dependable and well organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance
• Works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities
• Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school
• Is willing to represent the class or school in inter-class and inter-scholastic competition
• Does committee and staff work without complaint
• Participates in some activity outside of school- for example: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church .groups, volunteer services for the elderly, poor, or disadvantaged
• Mentors persons in the community or students at other schools
• Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students

The leadership criterion is considered highly important for membership selection.Leadership is easiest shown in terms of the number of offices held in school or community organizations. However, It is important to recognize that leadership also exists outside elected positions including effective participation in other co-curricular activities offered on campus. Leadership roles in both the school and community may be considered, provided they can be verified. The student who exercises leadership:

• Is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles, and making suggestions
• Demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities
• Exercises positive influence on peers in upholding school ideals
• Contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school
• Is able to delegate responsibilities
• Exemplifies positive attitudes
• Inspires positive behavior in others
• Demonstrates academic initiative
• Successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility; conducts business effectively and efficiently; demonstrates reliability and dependability
• Is a leader is the classroom, at work, and in other school or community activities
• Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted
• Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude.