National Junior Honor Society
What is NJHS?
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is an organization that recognizes middle school students for their outstanding achievements in leadership, citizenship, service, character, and scholarship.
Who gets invited to apply?
All current 7th and 8th graders who earned Distinguished Honor Roll all three trimesters in the previous school year will receive an invitation to apply.
Does everyone who applies become a member of NJHS?
No. Students will be given approximately two weeks to complete the application process. Once the window to submit applications has closed, the advisor(s) will read through the applications and use a rubric to objectively evaluate each applicant.
Only fully completed applications will be reviewed.
What does the application look like?
Students will need to fully and accurately complete the following:
Signature Page - This page should be completed by the applicant and a parent or guardian
Essay Questions - The essay is the applicant’s opportunity to make a strong impression. Students should use their literacy skills to write well-developed responses. These responses will be evaluated based on five areas of writing - content, organization, focus, style, and conventions.
Teacher Recommendations - Applicants are to identify TWO former teachers whom they would like to complete a recommendation. The advisor(s) will reach out to the identified teachers. No action is needed by the applicant other than identifying the former teachers.
Service/Leadership Log - Applicants are to showcase past leadership and service experiences. Service is defined as “the act of doing something for someone else.” This does not include things you do around the house to help your family. Think of more global acts you’ve done to help your community.
How will I know if I have been selected for NJHS?
Once all applications have been reviewed and students have been selected, each applicant will receive a letter of acceptance or a letter of rejection.
If I am a 7th grader and not selected, will I have another opportunity to apply?
Yes. If you continue to make distinguished honor roll, you will be invited to apply again in 8th grade.
I’ve been accepted. What’s next?
After being selected, you will be recognized and officially inducted into NJHS at a special ceremony. This date will be announced on the morning announcements AND in Google Classroom, so listen carefully!
Additionally, you will be required to uphold the five pillars of NJHS - leadership, citizenship, service, character, and scholarship. In order to uphold these values, you will be required to attend meetings, participate in service projects, maintain a high academic standing, and follow the student Code of Conduct. If you fail to uphold these standards, your membership may be revoked.
You will be expected to listen for important announcements regarding NJHS as well as regularly check the Google Classroom. You are expected to attend all meetings/events. If you have a conflict that precludes you from attending, you must email the advisor before the meeting/event.
I was inducted into the NJHS last year, am I still a member?
Yes, as long as you upheld the pillars, maintained a high academic standing, participated in meetings and events, and did not commit a level 2 or higher disciplinary infraction, your membership is honored from 7th to 8th grade.
Why are 6th graders not invited to apply?
The UMIS has a NEHS chapter, but those values slightly differ from the expectations of students at the Middle School level. Additionally, transitioning to middle school is difficult for students. We feel it is important for sixth graders to focus on their academic studies and to establish positive and helpful organizational skills before seeking membership in NJHS. Keep in mind, being a member of NEHS does not guarantee you an invitation to apply nor your acceptance into NJHS.