The National Honor Society (NHS) is a prestigious organization that recognizes high school students for their achievements in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Many families assume online students don’t have the same opportunities to join NHS, but Wisconsin Virtual Learning (WVL) provides a fully recognized NHS chapter, allowing virtual students to earn this distinguished honor.
If your student is interested in becoming a member of NHS, here’s everything you need to know about the requirements, application process, and how to succeed in a virtual setting.
What is the National Honor Society?
The National Honor Society was founded in 1921 to recognize students who demonstrate excellence in four critical areas:
- Scholarship
- Leadership
- Service
- Character
Membership in the National Honor Society requires more than just excelling academically; it recognizes the development of exceptional students who exhibit responsibility, demonstrate leadership initiative, and dedicate themselves to creating positive change within their school environment and the broader community. Earning a place in NHS represents a major accomplishment that can substantially strengthen college applications and create pathways to valuable scholarship opportunities.
At WVL, students can join NHS and enjoy the same recognition and benefits as learners attending traditional schools.
WVL’s National Honor Society Requirements
To become a member of NHS at WVL, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Grade Level: Students must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors.
- GPA: Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Service: Engage in voluntary activities that benefit the school or community.
- Leadership: Show leadership by taking on roles in school clubs, community groups, or other organizations.
- Character: Exhibit qualities like integrity, responsibility, and respect for others.
- Application: Complete and submit an application for review by the NHS faculty council.
Meeting these criteria is the first step to NHS membership, but students should also focus on building leadership and service experience early on to strengthen their application.
How Online Students Can Meet Leadership & Service Requirements
A common question for online students is: How can my child demonstrate leadership and service when most extracurricular activities are in-person? Fortunately, there are plenty of ways online learners can meet NHS’s requirements, even in a virtual setting.
Leadership Opportunities for WVL Students
- Student Council: Run for a position or become actively involved in virtual student government.
- Online Clubs: Take on leadership roles in any of WVL’s virtual clubs or organizations.
- Community Projects: Lead or organize initiatives that benefit the local or virtual community.
- Peer Mentoring: Help younger students with their studies or guide peers in online projects.
Service Opportunities for WVL Students
- Volunteer Work: Support local organizations, charities, or causes, either virtually or in person, to accumulate service hours.
- Tutoring: Offer academic help to peers or younger students, either within WVL or outside.
- Fundraising: Organize virtual events or fundraising drives for community causes.
- Environmental Projects: Participate in or organize clean-up days or environmental awareness initiatives.
The Benefits of NHS Membership for WVL Students
Joining the National Honor Society provides your student with many significant advantages that extend well beyond high school. When your child becomes an NHS member, they gain access to:
- Academic Recognition: NHS membership boosts college applications and stands out to potential scholarship providers.
- Leadership Development: Through NHS, your student will find valuable opportunities to cultivate essential leadership capabilities via specialized programs, collaborative activities, and mentorship experiences.
- Exclusive Scholarship Access: As an NHS member, your student can access scholarship opportunities specifically reserved for members.
- Community Engagement: Students gain a stronger sense of responsibility and service by participating in community projects and service events.
How to Apply for NHS at WVL
Students who meet the eligibility criteria and want to join NHS should follow these steps:
- Focus on Academics: Ensure that your GPA remains 3.0 or higher.
- Get Involved: Participate in leadership roles and service activities throughout the year.
- Express Interest: Reach out to Mr. Olson, the NHS advisor at WVL, for details about the application process.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the official application and submit it to the NHS faculty council for review.
- Wait for Approval: Once the application is reviewed, students will be notified whether they’ve been accepted into NHS.
If your student isn’t quite eligible yet, they can start building their leadership and service experience now so they are prepared when the time comes to apply.
Begin Your NHS Journey with Wisconsin Virtual Learning
The National Honor Society is a prestigious achievement that celebrates students for their academic dedication, leadership, and service. Wisconsin Virtual Learning can provide your student with the resources and opportunities to qualify for NHS so they can gain the recognition they deserve.