Baldwin County Virtual School

National Junior Honor Society

Sponsor: Mr. Jason Price jprice@bcbe.org 

Eligibility

All students interested in membership must be enrolled at a school with an active NJHS chapter and must have completed the equivalent of one semester of enrollment at Baldwin County Virtual School. BCVS students must currently be in grades 7-8 to be eligible for membership. Once you are eligible to apply, you must meet the Pillars of Membership to be accepted by the committee.

Pillars of Membership

Scholarship
Students must first meet this criterion to become candidates for membership. NJHS national policy requires that each chapter set a cumulative GPA as their Scholarship criteria. A GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent cumulative standard of excellence is required.

Service
One of the most important aspects of the application process is the logging of community service hours.  Applicants must have no less than four (4) documented service hours from the beginning of the school year through Winter Break for Spring induction or from after Winter Break to the beginning of the school year for Fall induction of the application year.  

This involves voluntary contributions made by a student and done without compensation. Chapters can require evidence of service to either the school, the community or both. Community service is defined as any voluntary contribution made by a student to school, community, charity or any service organization, done without compensation (no fundraisers) 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 should be documented by the adult in charge of the service organization.  This adult may not be a family member or a peer. 

Leadership
Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others. A student must show leadership characteristics.  On the 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. Chapters can require evidence of leadership from within school or the community or both.

Character
The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others. 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. A chapter’s faculty council may review or consider disciplinary records when evaluating this criterion.

Citizenship
In general, the student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic engagement; has a high regard for freedom and justice; and respects democracy. 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 or clubs of which they are members. 

Application Process

If you wish to be considered for membership in the National Junior 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. Applications will be available in January 2024.

Selection Procedure

Members are selected by a 5-member faculty council. Along with the NJHS adviser, the council is appointed by the school principal, and a majority vote of the faculty council is needed for selection. The selection process concludes with induction into the school’s National Junior Honor Society chapter.

Induction

The Baldwin County Virtual School Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society will induct new members Spring 2024 and each Fall and Spring thereafter. 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.          

Understanding the Obligations of Membership

Students who accept membership and are inducted into the chapter should be aware of the time and commitment involved with their membership. The chapter adviser will provide new members with a copy of the chapter’s membership obligations. These obligations may include chapter meetings, chapter service projects and individual service requirements. The BCVS chapter also charges dues of $20 to help cover chapter expenses. Members will also receive a copy of the chapter bylaws.