National Junior Honor Society
Westchester Academy for International Studies
Membership in the NJHS is an honor and a responsibility. No student has a right to belong to this organization – it is a privilege bestowed upon him or her. The campus selection process adheres to guidelines established by the national organization. To be eligible for membership into the NJHS, a student must demonstrate outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, citizenship, and service.
A candidate for membership must be in attendance at WAIS the equivalent of one semester. Membership is open to all seventh, eighth, and ninth graders who have a cumulative scholastic average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. While scholastic achievement is the most important criterion, the qualities of character, leadership, citizenship, and service are also considered for acceptance into the National Junior Honor Society. Once selected, members have the responsibility to continue to demonstrate these qualities.
Students who qualify scholastically, will receive notification of this after the fall semester, late in the spring semester. Attached to this notification will be the Student Activity Form. This form is about their leadership and service activities. Each candidate MUST complete the form within a stated time period in order to be considered for membership into the NJHS. The student will need to write an essay stating what qualities and contributions they would bring to the NJHS. These items will be used by the Faculty Council to evaluate the candidates’ contributions in the areas of service and leadership.
The character criterion is defined by consistently demonstrating desirable qualities of behavior. This would include complying with school regulations, showing courtesy, concern, respect for others, and exemplifying the highest standards of honesty, integrity, reliability, and dependability. Character is monitored throughout the school year by reviewing individual referral or disciplinary records of each candidate.
The citizenship criterion is judged on a review of the candidates’ cumulative citizenship record. Citizenship information is provided by school personnel and will be monitored throughout the school year.
All selection criteria collected by the school is confidential.
Any new student to WAIS that was a NJHS member in good standing from their previous school is granted membership in our chapter. Please provide a copy of your membership certificate or card and the name of the previous school’s advisor.
The Faculty Council consists of five faculty members appointed by the school’s director, and the NJHS Chapter Advisor. The Faculty Council collects and evaluates the information it receives from each candidate (regarding leadership and service), and from each candidates’ school record (regarding character and citizenship), and makes recommendations for selection into the NJHS. Selection for membership is by the Faculty Council and is based on the criteria of scholarship, character, leadership, citizenship, and service.
Cheryl Wegscheid, NJHS Chapter Advisor
last updated 2/16/05
A Member of the National Junior Honor Society of Secondary Schools