The National Honor Society seeks to recognize and commend outstanding students in high schools all across the United States. There are chapters of the NHS in more than 20,000 American high schools. The Merrimack Valley Chapter at Lowell High School has been in existence since 1927. The four criteria for admission to the society are scholarship, character, leadership, and service. At Lowell High School, qualified candidates from the Junior and Senior classes are elected each fall, according to the following procedures.
Rules for Membership in the National Honor Society
- At the end of the first marking period all Juniors and Seniors who have a cumulative PIN of 153.0000 and are able to demonstrate the four qualities of membership will be eligible for consideration for membership in the National Honor Society at Lowell High School.
- The cumulative PIN is the numerical value calculated at the end of each marking period and is used to determine the rank-in-class of every student. The cumulative PIN is equivalent to a grade average of 90 in the college level course. All grades are adjusted according to the weight (level) of the courses taken.
- Students must have been enrolled at Lowell High School for a minimum of one full year immediately prior to prospective membership.
- All candidates must meet the graduation requirements as stipulated by the School Committee and the State Board of Education.
- The election of officers by current members of the National Honor Society will take place in April. Only members in good standing are eligible to run for an office. The positions of offices elected will be: President; Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Fundraising, Co Secretary; and Treasurer.
Method of Selection
- At the beginning of September, all students who have completed their sophomore and junior year with a cumulative PIN average of 151.0000 or above will be eligible to receive a Candidate Information Package which will include: Pledge of Service; Endorsement of Character; Activity Information Sheet; Service/Activities Volunteer Work; Work Experience; Special Awards; and an Essay. The student will also receive a copy of the NHS Constitution and local bylaws, which clearly states the rules for membership and removal.
- The student is required to return the Candidate Information Package and a copy of their transcript to the faculty adviser no later than October 31.
- Candidate packages will be presented to the NHS Faculty Council for review. Candidate eligibility will be determined based on the following formula: Scholarship (cumulative PIN 151.0000 or above/prior to the end of the first marking period and the completion of the essay.)
- The receiving of a U grade during any marking period will eliminate someone from being considered for the National Honor Society.
- There must be a demonstrated history of volunteer service. A letter or some other document attesting to this service must accompany the information packet.
- A final list of candidates will be distributed to faculty council and the Housemasters for final review.
- Any candidate not selected by the NHS Faculty Council will be notified in writing and will have five school days to file for a hearing based on additional information to the faculty advisor for reevaluation by the Faculty Council.
- Only members who are formally voted in are members of the National Honor Society with all its rights and privileges. Students are not considered members in good standing until they are formally inducted at the annual induction ceremony.