Grimsley High - National Honor Society

Grimsley Torchlight Chapter of the National Honor Society

	Only seniors and second semester juniors who have been at Grimsley for one year can be considered for membership, and they must have a cumulative grade point average (based on semester and final grades) of 3.6 or higher. A member is expected to maintain the high standards of scholarship, character, leadership, and service, to participate in the annual school service project, to assist with induction of new members, to attend meetings, and to pay dues.
All students who have met the requirements are listed on a straw ballot which is distributed to the entire faculty. All faculty members are asked to vote for students whom they know on the basis of character, leadership, and service as well as scholarship. Faculty members are urged to make comments and must sign their ballots if they make a comment. A faculty council comprised of five faculty members makes the selections for membership. The straw ballot serves only as a guide for this council and there are no quotas or limits as to the number of students they may select.
	Induction for new members is held twice each year, in November and in May, so eligible students have three opportunities to be considered for membership; spring of junior year, fall of senior year, and spring of senior year. A student who transfers to Grimsley and was a member of NHS at another school is automatically a member of Torchlight and need only show his/her membership card to the advisor.

NHS Points to remember: Academic success is not the sole criterion for membership. There must also be evidence of sound character, leadership and service. Scholarship is genuine intellectual curiosity and achievement as opposed to simply accumulating grades. The faculty council considers a student's course selections in choosing Torchlight members. Honesty, integrity, maturity and a positive attitude are all components of good character. A "U" or an "N" in conduct in a year in which a student is eligible for consideration may disqualify that student from consideration for membership. Leadership is not necessarily being the officer of a club, a star athlete or a cheerleader. Effective leadership can be exhibited in classes by students who set a good example for others. These students are consistently prepared for effective class participation. They are attentive and help to create a classroom atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Service can be rendered in any number of activities that enhance the school environment and the community. The quality of service should outweigh the quantity. It is better to be a good active member of one organization than to be a token member of ten organizations. Selection of members is by majority vote of the faculty council; therefore, no one person can effectively reject a student who is being considered. Every effort is made to be fair and objective in the selection process; but it is important to remember that no one is automatically entitled to membership. If you have any questions about Torchlight policies or practices, please make an appointment to talk with Ms. Cheryl Adair, National Honor Society advisor.