The National Honor Society was founded in 1921 as an organization which recognizes and encourages academic achievement, service to others, leadership and positive character qualities.  The purpose of the Slinger Chapter of the National Honor Society is to identify, recognize, and honor students who display a balance of these four traits by bestowing membership in the National Honor Society on them.

Selection to NHS is a privilege, not a right.  Slinger High School students do not apply for membership in the NHS, instead, they provide information to be used by the faculty council to support their candidacy for membership.  Membership is not automatically conveyed simply because a student has achieved the required GPA.  Students must demonstrate outstanding performance in all four areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
Juniors and seniors who have earned a 3.5 GPA or better based on their standing at the end of the most recent grading period are identified. Students will receive a letter letting them know they meet the GPA requirements and are invited to attend an informational meeting at which the advisor and NHS officers explain the purpose and requirements of NHS as well as the application process for admittance if they wish to be further considered for NHS membership.

The Slinger High School NHS faculty council is comprised of respected members of the faculty who have agreed to serve by request of the principal.  Their identities are not disclosed.

Faculty council members evaluate students whom they have taught, coached, advised, or supervised based on the following national criteria:

LEADERSHIP CRITERION:

The student who exercises leadership:

• Is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles, and making suggestions
• Demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities
• Exercises positive influence on peers in upholding school ideals
• Contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school
• Is able to delegate responsibilities
• Exemplifies positive attitudes
• Inspires positive behavior in others
• Demonstrates academic initiative
• Successfully hold school offices or positions of responsibility; conducts business effectively and efficiently; demonstrates reliability and dependability
• Is a leader in the classroom , at work, and in other school and community activities
• Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted
• Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude

SERVICE CRITERION:

The student who serves:

• Volunteers and provides dependable and well organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance
• Works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities
• Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school
• Is willing to represent the class or school in inter-class and inter-scholastic competition
• Does committee and staff work without complaint
• Participates in some activity outside of school
• Mentors persons in the community or students at school
• Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students

CHARACTER CRITERION:

The student of character:

• Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously
• Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability)
• Upholds principles of morals and ethics
• Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc.
• Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability
• Regularly shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others
• Observes instructions and rules, is punctual, and faithful both inside and outside of the classroom
• Has powers of concentration, self-discipline, and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies
• Manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in class work, and showing no willingness to profit by the mistakes of others
• Actively helps ride the school of bad influences or environment

After the faculty council has made its decision, letters are sent to students which indicate whether or not they have been selected for membership in the Slinger Chapter of the National Honor Society.  Students who are not selected may inquire of a NHS advisor the category(ies) in which the faculty council felt they were lacking.  Juniors may reapply the following year.

The principal, advisors, and officers of NHS induct new members into the Slinger Chapter of NHS at a formal ceremony held at Slinger High School at which each new member receives a certificate of membership as well as the NHS pin.  Graduating seniors receive the NHS seal placed upon their diploma.

Is is NOT the intent of the Slinger Chapter of NHS to place additional responsibilities upon its members, but rather encourage them to maintain their scholastic record, and continue with the service activities, leadership, and character qualities which enabled them to be selected as members originally.   Members and new inductees meet monthly to discuss service project responsibilities required by the NHS office along with fundraisers to help serve the community.   Service projects in past years have included [placing memorial lights on veteran graves, tutoring help at the elementary school, and a book drive to send books to kids in Africa.  

As early as their freshmen year, student should be involved with volunteer and leadership opportunities.  Although short term projects are encouraged, the faculty council looks favorably upon long term or on-going projects/activities including, but not limited to, scouting, 4H, student council, community and church groups, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, and sport camps for elementary and middle school youth.