SEE NHS 2022-2023 TAB FOR LATEST INFORMATION AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS.

Guidelines for Membership
Effective 2020-21

The Baldwin County Virtual School Chapter of The National Honor Society will induct new members each Fall and Spring. Students who have maintained an unweighted 3.50 GPA, exemplify positive characteristics of leadership, character, citizenship, and service are eligible for membership.  Students with an unweighted 3.50 GPA will receive a letter inviting them to apply for membership by completing a Candidate’s Form.  Below are listed important factors for a successful application to the Baldwin County Virtual Secondary School Chapter of NHS.          

Initial Eligibility: Per the National NHS Constitution, students must have completed one (1) full semester at BCVS before becoming eligible to be inducted into the Baldwin County Virtual School Chapter of NHS. Students in Grades 11-12 must have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.50.  Students in the 11th Grade are eligible for the Fall Induction and the Spring Induction of the 11th Grade year.  Students in the 12th Grade are eligible for the Fall Induction of the 12th Grade year.  For Spring Induction for 12th grade, Semester One grades must show that the student has attained a 3.5 Unweighted GPA.

Leadership: A student must show leadership characteristics.  On his/her application should be listed as many leadership positions as possible.  This would include such things as officer of a club, chairman of a committee, coach of a little league team, co-captain or captain of a team, leadership awards, teacher/assistant of Sunday School, leader of a church group, Boy Scout leader, Eagle Scout, etc. All of these positions must be documented with the name of the adult in charge.  Candidates may list any leadership role from the beginning of 9th grade through August 1 (Fall Induction) or March 1 (Spring Induction) of the application year.

Character: Student records will be checked.  Students are rated on such characteristics as working to potential, motivation, punctuality, attendance, honesty, preparation for class, leadership, adherence to school rules and attitude.  Discipline records will be checked.

Citizenship: Citizenship involves membership in civic activities such as school clubs, band, concert choir, scouting, community organizations, church organizations, etc.  Students who have jobs may list those jobs, and students may list athletic teams of which they are members.  Students begin with their 9th grade through August 1 (Fall Induction) or March 1 (Spring Induction) of the application year.

Service: One of the most important aspects of the application process is the logging of community service hours.  Applicants must have no less than ten (10) documented service hours from the beginning of the 9th Grade through August 1 (Fall Induction) or March 1 (Spring Induction) of the application year.  To ensure that all hours count, students should perform as many hours as possible. Community service is defined as any voluntary contribution made by a student to school, community, charity or any service organization, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit.  Activities servicing the interests of an individual (participation in pageants, theater, dance organizations, sports teams, related fundraisers, etc.) are not considered service organizations.  Service hours do not include free work for profit organizations, businesses, or individuals.  Free babysitting is also not community service.  Church practices such as keeping the nursery, recording the church service, singing in the choir, teaching a class, etc. are a part of one’s religious practices and are not services to the community at large (but they may be included under leadership/activities).  Appropriate service hours include volunteering for such organizations as nursing homes, recognized food pantries, hospitals, school-sponsored community service events, Veteran’s homes, The Lighthouse, Waterfront Rescue Mission, American Heart Association, Habitat for Humanity, etc.  Outreach projects performed through a church, such as Vacation Bible School, Family Promise, community food pantries, etc., are acceptable community service projects.  Any service for which a student receives a grade (FACS, Chorus, Band, Workforce Development, Leadership, Athletics, etc.) cannot be used as service.  Service hours must be documented by the adult in charge of the service organization.  This adult may not be a family member or a peer. Candidates may list any service performed from the beginning of 9th Grade through August 1 (Fall Induction) or March 1 (Spring Induction) of the application year.

If you wish to be considered for membership in The National Honor Society, you should begin the process now.  In addition to maintaining a strong GPA, you should start collecting service hours, volunteering for leadership opportunities, and participating in school/community activities.