NJHS Sponsors:

• Sloan Waters - @email
• Emma Gashel - @email

According to the NJHS website the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) was established in 1929 and is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to recognize those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship.

View Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is eligible for membership in the NJHS at Holmes Middle School?

Students in 7th or 8th grade who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or more and have followed the Holmes Middle School tenets of respect, responsibility and readiness will receive an application in early March. The application requires the completion of an online application, an essay, three current teacher recommendations, and service hours verified through x2vol. All students who are accepted into the NJHS must sign an “Expectations Contract,” stating that they will maintain excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Service & Character.

Who chooses inductees into the NJHS at Holmes Middle School?

After students fill out and return the required forms, their qualifications will be reviewed by the members of the Holmes Faculty Council. The Council is a group of teachers who meets once/year to make the final decision about who will be invited for induction into the NJHS. The advisors are not voting members of the Faculty Council. Following their decision, parents and students will be notified of the final decisions and the procedures to be followed for the induction ceremony.

When are Induction Ceremonies held?

Holmes Middle School holds the induction ceremony in the spring of each year.

What do you do in NJHS?

The goal of NJHS is to build leaders and perform service work. We have a general membership meeting for all NJHS members at the beginning of the school year. Normally, this will occur after school. We will also review NJHS rules and expectations for members as well as go over an outline of the plans for the Chapter for the year. Student members are required to keep track of their service hours all year long (not just the minimum required by the school), including summer and school breaks.  All hours completed during the school year must be verified through x2vol. Advisers help organize service activities for the students throughout the year, but the objective is that activities are student-centered as much as possible.

Does membership in NJHS affect future membership in NHS (National Honor Society)?

NJHS membership is a middle school organization. Whether or not you join NJHS will not necessarily affect future membership in NHS in high school, though it will demonstrate a strong foundation in service, leadership, and scholarship. Membership in NJHS is an accomplishment that students are encouraged to put on their resumes. Please note that each high school has its own admission requirements for NHS.

Characteristics of an Exemplary NJHS Candidate

Scholarship

Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale), as established by Holmes Middle School’s Faculty Council, meet the scholarship requirement for membership. These students are then eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership, character and citizenship.

Service

This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit. Hours are verified through x2vol.

Leadership

Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

Character

A student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others.

Citizenship

The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic involvement; has a high regard for freedom, justice, and respect for the American form of government; and demonstrates mature participation and responsibility through involvement with such activities as scouting, community organizations, and school clubs.