What is the National Honor Society? 

Founded in 1921, NHS is the most prestigious of national organizations and societies that promote appropriate recognition for students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of academics, character, leadership, and service.  Students do not "apply" to NHS; instead, membership is an honor bestowed on students by the school's faculty.

CCA's NHS chapter is extremely active and highly visible. All members vote to select an advisory council consisting of co-presidents, a secretary, and several board members, who will lead the various NHS committees: service, senior citizen, fundraising, teacher appreciation, and tutoring.

Who is eligible for membership consideration?

All sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above are invited to complete and submit an application form pertaining to school and community service and leadership.

How are members selected?

All faculty members are asked to evaluate eligible students in the areas of character and classroom/school leadership. These evaluations and the student-submitted information forms are given to a five-member faculty council, whose members are chosen in accordance with the national guidelines. On the basis of all the information provided, the faculty council rates each student in the areas of character, leadership, and school and community service. As with academics, students are rated on a 4-point scale in each area, using a scoring guide. The faculty council then votes on the membership of each student. Those who receive three or more faculty council votes are approved.  Students are notified by letter of their acceptance or rejection.

When are members selected and notified?

Eligible students are notified by mail and email in March. Application forms are available for download from this webpage when available. The NHS advisor compiles the forms as well as faculty evaluations. Actual selection can take several weeks to complete. The mandatory induction ceremony takes place in the evening of a night in March or April. Inductees will be informed of the ceremony date and time when offered their acceptance into NHS.

How much of a commitment do members make?

Membership in NHS is more than an award of recognition. It is also a commitment to continue to model the qualities for which students were selected. At CCA, this means that there is a minimum commitment of one meeting a session. Each member is expected to be on at least one committee, and also to complete at least 5 hours of NHS-related service each year. Members are also expected to maintain high character and a minimum of 3.0 GPA.

What if a student does not follow through on his or her commitment? 

The faculty council has the power to remove a student from membership for failing to maintain the standards for which he or she was selected. Students will be advised when the council is meeting and invited to attend to plead their case. If the faculty council then decides to dismiss a student, he or she cannot be considered for membership again at a later date.

Can the faculty council's decisions be overruled?

Yes, but only by the school principal, and extenuating circumstances must exist. It is rare that the principal overrules a decision on either membership non-selection or dismissal.

NHS faculty advisor:  

Beau Roddy, roddbe@elkhorn.k12.wi.us