Constitution and Governance



Constitution and Governance

Local chapters of the Honor Society are governed by two sets of documents: The National Constitution and the local chapter bylaws. The National Constitution was developed and is monitored by the National Council that serves as the governing body of the national organizations. The day-to-day administration of the Societies is undertaken by the staff of the national office.

All chapters must adopt and abide by the provisions of the National Constitution, per their chartering agreement with the national organization. The National Handbook, available from the NHS sales office, elaborates on the items found in the Constitution—including an outline for local bylaws—and provides guidance for advisers in applying the Constitution to their work with their chapters.

Constitution of the National Honor Society

Revised: May 2002

The text below is the national constitution under which all NHS chapters operate. Local chapters of NHS are given authority to vary from some sections of this document, for example, they may set the Scholarship requirement at a level above the stated 3.0 national minimum standard as long as this new standard is applied fairly and consistently. The limits of the chapter's authority are described in the national handbook, a copy of which has been provided to the chapter adviser of every duly affiliated chapter (fall 1997). Additional copies of the handbook can be obtained by contacting the NHS Sales office at (866) 647-7253.

Persons noting a difference between the guidelines below and those in use at the local level should first direct their concerns to the local chapter adviser (a member of the school's faculty assigned to this role by the building principal), to seek clarification of the local policies. Chapters can share local bylaws or selection procedures to assist in making this clarification. Any local policies found to be out of compliance with the national constitution should be adjusted and may, if necessary, be brought to the attention of either the school principal or the national office.

ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools (NHS).

Section 2. The purpose of this organization shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools.

Section 3. The NHS shall be under the sponsorship and supervision of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), 1904 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1537.

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ARTICLE II: THE NATIONAL COUNCIL

Section 1. The control of this organization shall be vested in the National Council.

Section 2.* The National Council shall consist of eleven members appointed by the Board of Directors of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, one representative chosen from each of the NASSP administrative regions, two at-large principals or assistant principals (from any region), and the NJHS Representative, from a middle level school. Regional representatives shall alternate terms between principals and advisers according to the schedule developed by the national office. The executive director of NASSP shall be an ex?officio member of the National Council and shall serve as treasurer of NHS. The director of the NASSP Department of Student Activities shall be an ex-officio member and shall serve as secretary of the National Council.

Section 3.* Members shall be appointed for a term of no more than three years.

Section 4.* Six members shall constitute a quorum of the National Council.

[Structure amended December 2001.]

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ARTICLE III: STATE/REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1. Local chapters may choose to organize state associations. The state principals' associations may form regional associations as defined by NASSP.

Section 2. Any state or regional association of National Honor Society chapters shall conform to this Constitution and shall work with the NASSP Department of Student Activities in furthering the purpose of this organization.

Section 3. All state and/or regional associations shall be affiliated with the National Honor Society.

Section 4. The state and/or regional affiliate shall not serve as an appeal board for local chapter nonselection or dismissal cases.

Section 5.* Bylaws of the state or regional associations must be approved by the secretary of the National Honor Society (Director of the NASSP Department of Student Activities) and must be consistent with this Constitution.

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ARTICLE IV: LOCAL CHAPTERS

Section 1. Any secondary public school is eligible to apply for a charter for a local chapter. Nonpublic secondary schools accredited or approved by state departments of education or by accrediting agencies approved by the National Council are eligible to apply for a charter for a local chapter. Each school shall have its own chapter except in cases where a school's size precludes the formation of a full Faculty Council. In such cases, a chapter can be shared as long as all other constitutional requirements can be met. A middle level unit in the same building with a high school unit will be appropriate cause for two separate chapters (one for the National Junior Honor Society and the one for the National Honor Society). [See page 24 of the 1997 national handbook for clarification of this last provision of Section 1. Ed.]

Section 2. Each chapter shall pay a chartering fee determined by the National Council.

Section 3. Each school with a chapter shall pay an annual affiliation fee recommended by the National Council and approved by the NASSP Board of Directors.

Section 4.* The annual individual member dues paid to a chapter or state affiliate, if any, shall not exceed ten dollars inclusively. The exact amount shall be determined by the executive committee of the chapter and shall be subject to the approval of the chapter membership.

Section 5. Duly chartered local chapters shall conform to this Constitution as set forth by the National Council. Failure to do so may result in the loss of the charter.

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ARTICLE V: THE PRINCIPAL

Section 1. The principal shall reserve the right to approve all activities and decisions of the chapter.

Section 2.* The principal shall annually appoint a member of the faculty as chapter adviser, who may serve consecutive terms.

Section 3.* The principal shall annually appoint a Faculty Council composed of five members of the school's faculty who may serve consecutive terms.

Section 4.* The principal shall receive appeals in cases of nonselection of candidates, and the disciplining or dismissal of members.

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ARTICLE VI: THE CHAPTER ADVISER

Section 1. The chapter adviser shall be responsible for the direct, day?to?day supervision of the chapter and act as liaison between faculty, administration, students, and community.

Section 2. The chapter adviser shall maintain files on membership, chapter history, activities, and financial transactions. The chapter adviser shall send the annual report to the national office. Here is the current version of the Annual Report Form.

Section 3. The chapter adviser shall regularly review each member for compliance with Society standards and obligations.

Section 4. The chapter adviser shall help the chapter officers understand and carry out their duties.

Section 5.* The chapter adviser shall be an ex-officio, non-voting, sixth member of the Faculty Council.

Section 6.* The chapter adviser shall be a member of the faculty, appointed annually by the principal, and may serve consecutive terms.

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ARTICLE VII: FACULTY COUNCIL

Section 1.* The Faculty Council shall consist of five voting faculty members appointed annually by the principal. The chapter adviser shall be an ex?officio, non?voting, sixth member of the Faculty Council. No principal or assistant principal may be included on the Faculty Council. (See commentary on pages 18 and 19 of the 1997 national handbook regarding the functions of the Faculty Council.)

Section 2. The term of the Faculty Council shall be one year. Members may be appointed to consecutive terms.

Section 3. The Faculty Council shall meet at least once a year to review the procedures of the chapter, select members, and to consider nonselection, dismissal, other disciplinary actions, and warning cases.

Section 4.* The Faculty Council will develop and revise, when necessary, all chapter procedures for selection, disciplining, and dismissal of members, all of which must remain in compliance with the national guidelines.

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ARTICLE VIII: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Membership in local chapters is an honor bestowed upon a student. Selection for membership is by a Faculty Council and is based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Once selected, members have the responsibility to continue to demonstrate these qualities.

Section 2. Membership shall be known as active, honorary, and graduate. Active members shall become graduate members at graduation. Graduate members shall have no voice or vote in chapter affairs.

Section 3.* The Faculty Council shall reserve the right to award honorary membership to school officials, principals, teachers, NHS advisers, adults, students with disabilities, or foreign exchange students in recognition of achievement and/or outstanding service rendered to the school in keeping with the purposes of the National Honor Society. Honorary members shall have no voice or vote in chapter affairs.

Section 4. Candidates become members when inducted at a special ceremony.

Section 5. Members who are seniors in good standing are eligible to be nominated by their chapters to compete in the National Honor Society Scholarship Program.

Section 6. A National Honor Society member who transfers to another school and brings a letter from the former principal or chapter adviser to the new school adviser shall be accepted automatically as a member in the new school's chapter. Transfer members must meet the new chapter's standards within one semester in order to retain membership.

Section 7. Members who resign or are dismissed are never again eligible for membership or its benefits.

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ARTICLE IX: SELECTION OF MEMBERS

Section 1. To be eligible for membership the candidate must be a member of those classes (sophomore, junior, senior) designated as eligible in the chapter bylaws. (Freshmen [ninth graders] are not eligible.) Candidates must have been in attendance at the school the equivalent of one semester. (Some candidates may be ineligible for induction because of the semester ruling. Many students, including students of military parents, are required to move with parents or guardians that have transferred in their work. The present school principal should seek a recommendation from the previous school principal pursuant to the candidate's selection. On the basis of the recommendation of the previous principal, the Faculty Council may waive the semester regulation.)

Section 2.* The national minimum standard for scholarship shall be a cumulative scholastic average of at least 85 percent, B, or 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or the equivalent standard of excellence. Candidates shall then be evaluated on the basis of service, leadership, and character.

Section 3. The selection of each member to the chapter shall be by a majority vote of the Faculty Council.

Section 4. A description of the selection procedure shall be published in an official school publication that is widely available in a timely fashion to all students and parents of the school. The selection procedure shall be determined by the Faculty Council and shall be consistent with the rules and regulations of the National Honor Society.

Section 5. The National Council and NASSP shall not review the judgment of the Faculty Council regarding selection of individual members to local chapters.

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ARTICLE X: DISMISSAL

Section 1. The Faculty Council in compliance with the rules and regulations of the National Honor Society shall determine the procedure for dismissal. A written description of the dismissal procedure shall be available to interested parties.

Section 2.*Members who fall below the standards that were the basis for their selection shall be promptly warned in writing by the chapter adviser and given a reasonable amount of time to correct the deficiency, except that in the case of flagrant violation of school rules or the law, a member does not necessarily have to be warned.

Section 3. The Faculty Council shall determine when an individual has exceeded a reasonable number of warnings.

Section 4. In all cases of impending dismissal, a member shall have a right to a hearing before the Faculty Council. (Ed. Note: This is considered "due process" for all members.)

Section 5.* For purposes of dismissal, a majority vote of the Faculty Council is required.

Section 6. A member who has been dismissed may appeal the decision of the Faculty Council under the same rules for disciplinary appeals in the school district.

Section 7. The National Council and NASSP shall hear no appeals in dismissal cases.

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ARTICLE XI: CHAPTER OFFICERS

Section 1.* The officers of the chapter, their duties, and the method of their election shall be determined by the members of the chapter, approved by the Faculty Council and the principal, and described in the chapter bylaws.

Section 2. New officers shall be installed at a special ceremony.

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ARTICLE XII: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1. The executive committee shall consist of the officers of the chapter and the chapter adviser.

Section 2. The executive committee shall have general supervision of the affairs of the chapter between its business meetings, make recommendations to the chapter, and determine and perform such other duties as are specified in the chapter bylaws. All actions and recommendations of the executive committee shall be subject to the review of the chapter membership.

Section 3. The executive committee shall have the responsibility for ensuring that chapter activities and procedures follow school policy and regulations.

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ARTICLE XIII: MEETINGS

Section 1. Each chapter shall have regular meetings during the school year on days designated by the executive committee and in accordance with school policy and regulations.

Section 2. The regularity of the meetings (i.e., weekly, monthly, bimonthly) shall be designated in the chapter bylaws.

Section 3.* The chapter president or other designated student leader may call special meetings approved by the executive committee.

Section 4. Chapters shall conduct meetings according to Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised in all points not expressly provided for in this Constitution or the chapter bylaws.

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ARTICLE XIV: ACTIVITIES

Section 1. Each chapter shall determine one or more service projects for each year.

Section 2. All members shall regularly participate in these projects.

Section 3. These projects shall have the following characteristics: o Ffulfill a need within the school or community o Have the support of the administration and the faculty o Be appropriate and educationally defensible o Be well planned, organized, and executed.

Section 4. Each member shall have the responsibility for choosing and participating in a service project that reflects his or her particular talents and interests. This is in addition to the chapter projects to which all members contribute.

Section 5. Each chapter shall publicize its projects in a positive manner.

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ARTICLE XV: OFFICIAL INSIGNIA

Section 1. This organization shall have an official emblem selected by the National Council. The emblem shall be uniform.

Section 2. The distribution of the emblem and the rules for its use shall be under the exclusive control of the National Council.

Section 3.* Each active, graduate, or honorary member in good standing with the chapter shall be entitled to wear this emblem.

Section 4. Any member who resigns or is dismissed shall return the emblem to the chapter adviser.

Section 5. All insignia must be procured from the national secretary of the National Honor Society, 1904 Association Drive, Reston, VA, 20191. All insignia are filed for registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and may not be copied by anyone.

Section 6. The motto of the National Honor Society shall be Noblesse Oblige.

Section 7. The official colors of the National Honor Society shall be blue and gold.

Section 8. A graduate member may purchase a replacement for a lost emblem by verifying membership to the national office.

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ARTICLE XVI*: BYLAWS

Section 1. Each chapter shall write bylaws to amplify sections of this Constitution and to clarify operating procedures of the chapter. Bylaws do not need the approval of the National Council but must be consistent with this Constitution.

Section 2. The chapter bylaws shall contain information concerning the election and duties of officers, the schedule of meetings, member obligations, dues, and the like. (See pages 14 - 16 of the national handbook for additional information.)

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ARTICLE XVII: AMENDMENTS

This Constitution may be amended at any meeting of the National Council or by mail by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the National Council.

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NHS National Constitution (website version)

1997 edition based on the 1992 edition;

Revised 2002 (based on amendments adopted 1992-2002).

© 2002 NASSP

The logos, names, abbreviations, and emblems of the National Honor Society, the National Junior Honor Society, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals are trademarks or property of NASSP registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, protected by federal regulations, and may not be copied or used without specific written permission from NASSP. Individuals wishing to purchase a copy of the NHS National Handbook, containing this Constitution as well as all of the guidelines for establishing and running a chapter, can contact the sales office at the national office for the purchase, or check out our 2002-2003 Product Catalog. Phone: 703-860-0200 or 866-647-7253 (request the sales office from the operator)

E-mail: sales@nhs.us

Member schools are asked to have their school affiliation number when placing orders for this and all Honor Society items to speed up the ordering process and to guarantee the application of appropriate member discounts.

Schools wishing to establish a chapter of NHS or NJHS can request a charter application from Guidelines for Establishing a Chapter, or contact the national membership office by calling 703-860-7214, or e-mailing nhs@nhs.us.

Maintaining an Active Chapter

Your paid chartering fee ($100) includes affiliation with the national office for the current school year (through June 30). In addition to being a prerequisite for establishing and maintaining a chapter of NHS or NJHS, this affiliation brings a variety of benefits to the school, including a subscription to the award-winning publication Leadership for Student Activities. Affiliation with the national office must be maintained through annual renewals to preserve the active status of your school's NHS or NJHS chapter. For the 2002-2003 school year, the renewal fee for active chapters is $55.

Renewal notices will be sent automatically in the spring to the principal with reminder notices to NHS or NJHS advisers. Payment is due by June 30 each year. Use the annual renewal to update the national office on your school's address, principal's name, and chapter adviser information. All school affiliations (i.e., the membership year) run from July 1 to June 30.

Thank you for your interest in establishing a chapter of NHS or NJHS. You will be joining the more than 20,000 schools that currently belong to these two organizations and which annually recognize an estimated 1 million outstanding secondary school students.

For additional information please contact the national office of NHS and NJHS at the following address or phone:

NHS - NJHS

1904 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1537

Phone: 703-860-0200

Fax: 703-476-5432

E-mail: nhs@nhs.us

NHS and NJHS National Conference

Honor Society members and advisers will gather in Atlanta, GA, for the 10th annual conference November 8-10, 2002 at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel. This year the conference will feature a new event, the NHS Scholars Bowl, a scholastic competition in which teams of five NHS members--either from individual schools or from state delegations--will compete.

Conference registration brochures including a registration form can be downloaded here.

The NHS/NJHS National Conference is for members of the NHS and NJHS and their advisers and principals only. Chapters must have a current membership to attend.

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Winners of the 2002 Outstanding Service Project Award will be announced during the conference. Download the 2002 Outstanding Service Project application. Postmark deadline is October 1, 2002.

For travel to the NHS/NJHS National Conference, special discount airfares have been set up to Atlanta between November 5-13, 2002. For United or Continental, call NASSP Travel Services at 800-974-9393. For Delta, you may also call NASSP travel services, the agency of your choice, or Delta directly. When booking Delta at least 60 days from travel date, the discount is 10% and 5% for at least 30 days out. Please give the agent the following numbers: Meeting code 181365A and file 179400A.

Make sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming NHS and NJHS National Conferences:

• November 14-16, 2003 at the Radisson Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida

• November 12-14, 2004 at the Hyatt Regency Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri

• November 11-13, 2005 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Washington, DC

LEAD Conferences

The LEAD Conferences for 2002 have come and gone, but not before reaching several new milestones. The conferences, begun in 1992 as Area Conferences, now feature training specifically designed for student council and Honor Society students, along with general activities that benefit a variety of other student leaders. Three conferences are planned for 2003.

This year, the first LEAD ever held in the Southeastern United States took place in Hilton Head, SC. Although smaller in size than the other two LEAD conferences, the Hilton Head event drew delegates from 13 states in Regions 3 and 8. In 2003, another LEAD conference will be held in the South, in New Orleans.

The LEAD conference in Baltimore, MD, also made its mark by setting a new attendance record. Nearly 850 students and advisers from 23 states and Bermuda spent the weekend attending workshops and listening to dynamic speakers. In April, the Kansas City, MO, LEAD conference featured the first strand of workshops specifically for teachers of leadership classes. Attendees of that conference came from as far away as Cuba and Hawaii. In all, attendees to this year's LEAD conferences came from more than 35 states and the District of Columbia. The popularity of the LEAD program stems from its ability to blend strong leadership training sessions with the excitement of a national event featuring notable keynote speakers. One inviting feature of the conferences is their accessibility. The majority of attendees to LEAD conferences are from schools within 500 miles of the conference sites, which reduces the costs of travel and makes it an affordable option for most school groups. For advisers, the LEAD conferences provide special adult sessions complete with Continuing Education Units of credit.

Following are details for the 2003 LEAD conference nearest you.

2003 LEAD Conferences are scheduled for:

March 7-9, 2003 in Valley Forge, PA

Radisson Valley Forge Hotel

March 21-23, 2003 in New Orleans, LA

Radisson Hotel New Orleans

April 4-6, 2003 in South Bend, IN

South Bend Marriott Hotel

Conference registration brochures including a registration form will be available in the November 2002 issue of Leadership or can be downloaded here later this fall.

For assistance with travel plans to a LEAD conference, contact NASSP Travel Services at 800-974-9393.

Scholarships & Awards

For students:

Through these award and scholarship programs, students can obtain scholarships and gain recognition for their academic efforts, service, and leadership.

• National Honor Society Scholarships-Each National Honor Society chapter may nominate two senior chapter members for this national scholarship.

• Principal's Leadership Award-Principals can use this program to recognize one outstanding student leader from the senior class.

• Prudential Spirit of Community Award-The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards recognize middle level and high school students who have demonstrated exemplary, self-initiated community service.

• Wendy's High School Heisman Award-The Wendy's High School Heisman Award recognizes scholarship, citizenship, and athletic ability.

• TREE National Leadership Camp Scholarship- The Trust to Reach Education Excellence (TREE) provides 50 annual scholarships to deserving students to participate in a National Leadership Camp (NLC).

For Advisers:

• Rynearson Adviser of the Year Award- This award recognizes the Honor Society Adviser of the Year.

• Earl Reum Award -This award recognizes and honors advisers who have helped train other advisers so that they in turn may provide leadership training for students. Candidates can be student council, NHS, or NJHS advisers, but must be current members of NHS, NJHS, or the National Association of Student Councils (NASC).

For Schools and State Organizations:

• Outstanding Service Project Award- Each year 10 NHS or NJHS chapters are recognized and honored for making significant community service contributions at the local level through their service projects.

• Kyker State Service Project Award-This award honors an exceptional state service project performed by an NHS/NJHS state association.

Outstanding Service Project (OSP)

Service is an important part of the NHS and NJHS foundation, and each year 10 schools are recognized and honored for making significant community service contributions at the local level through their service projects. Projects are judged on originality, a well-written description, levels of student and community involvement, and overall success.

Applications are mailed to schools registered for the annual NHS and NJHS Conference; they can also be downloaded at currently at. Applications must be received by October 1, 2002.

2001 OSP Winners

Congratulations to the 2001 Outstanding Service Project winners, announced at the NHS and NJHS National Conference, November 9-11, 2001.

• Southington HS and DePaolo and Kennedy Middle Schools of Southington, CT, collaborated in the Christmas Gift Bag project. Members collected soap, tooth paste and brushes, deodorant, shaving creams, razors, shampoos and conditioners, lotions, tissues, mouth wash, powder, and even chap stick to fill 200 decorated bags that were delivered to the local Social Services Office.

• West Valley HS in Spokane, WA, organized a community bone marrow drive in conjunction with its bi-annual blood drive to raise money for the National Bone Marrow Donor Program. The project was developed in honor of Katie, a three-year member of NHS who was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia and needed a bone marrow transplant two months after graduation. T-shirts and ornaments with "For Katie" were made and sold, raising $2,254 for the National Bone Marrow Donor Foundation. A special school wide assembly educated students and the community and resulted in record numbers of students, staff, parents, and community members who signed up for the blood drive.

• J.O. Sanderson HS in Raleigh, NC, organized a series of activities in Project: Generation Bridge. Its goals were to plan activities that would be enjoyed by both generations, provide service at the retirement center, and expose students to a wealth of experience endowed in senior citizens. The culmination of the project was Senior-Senior Prom featuring swing and big band music, a dance competition for most spirited couple, and the crowning of a senior prom King and Queen.

• Palo Verde HS in Las Vegas, NE, organized an ambitious, yearlong project that was divided into four efforts: Health, Environment, Literacy, and Poverty, or Project HELP. The Health projects included preparing and serving spaghetti meals at the local Ronald McDonald House; visits three times a year to Summerlin Hospital with singing, treats, and homemade gifts; fundraising for the American Cancer Society and Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. Environment projects included collecting soda cans for recycling, and maintaining the "Desert Habitat" at the school that is used for neighboring schools to study the desert ecosystem. Literacy projects included collecting children's books for the local at-risk school and reading to the students and a peer tutoring program. Poverty projects included assisting with building several houses for Habitat for Humanity, a drive to collect winter coats, sweaters , and blankets for the local homeless shelter, and collecting more than 200 boxes of canned food at Thanksgiving.

• South Terrebonne HS in Bourg, LA, organized Pennies for Patients for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, which focuses on curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma. The project began with preparation and distribution of "spare change" envelopes for each homeroom. NHS members prepared and presented information school announcements and short video segments about leukemia and related diseases each morning during the event, which raised $1, 027.57 in coins.

• Penns Gove HS in Carneys Point, NJ, held a Sounds of the Season holiday concert to benefit and educate on the March of Dimes Birth Defects. The concert included performances by the choirs of all the schools in the county, interspersed with information about the March of Dimes. The concert raised $1,300 and the community gave a record high donation to the March of Dimes Walk America in May.

• Paul M. Hodgson Vocational-Technical HS in Newark, DE, coordinated a toy drive involving all members of the school to collect new or lightly used toys to donate to a local hospital around Christmas time. NHS members visited the hospital and delivered the presents directly to the patients.

• Valley HS in Las Vegas, NV, discovered a senior citizens convalescent home in the school's neighborhood which was severely lacking in attention from the community. The NHS chapter adopted the center, serving dinner at a monthly social, creating crafts with residents before holidays, and building relationships with the residents.

• Mercy HS of Middletown, CT, helped organize and provide supplies for tutoring activities, holiday parties, guest speakers, and field trips for children aged 6 to 13 in the Middletown area in its "I Have a Friend Youth Center" project. Two evenings a week the children received tutoring to strengthen their skills in reading, writing, and math. On Fridays the Center became a place for arts crafts, dramatic plays, karate, computer skills development, discussion of the many problems of growing up, and monthly theme parties.

• Conner HS in Hebron, KY, raised funds to save the majestic endangered species of white lions in their "Lost Legend of Africa" project. Through their efforts, a white lion beanie baby was developed, with 10% of sales going to the endangered species fund; wildlife artist John Ruthann produced a white lion wildlife print and donates a portion of sales to the fund; and the U.S. post office produced a white lion postage stamp. These efforts will produce a continued flow of funds and awareness for several years.

Service Projects

Baby Food Drive

National Honor Society members at West Valley HS in Spokane, WA organized a baby food collection effort to benefit a local food bank. Students signed up for blocks of time over a weekend to stand outside a grocery store and hand out fliers asking shoppers to buy jars of baby food to donate. They found people to be very cooperative since baby food is fairly inexpensive.

Career Day

As a service project to the members of their school community, the National Honor Society at Clements HS in Sugarland, TX, sponsored a career day where juniors and seniors interested in a particular field of study were allowed to leave class and attend presentations made by professionals in that field. NHS members contacted members of a variety of professions to obtain the speakers, prepared a schedule of presentations from which students could choose, hosted a breakfast for the speakers on career day, and escorted the speakers to their rooms.

Dressed for Success

The National Honor Society at Northern Highlands Regional HS in Allendale, N.J., organized a clothing drive for adults on welfare who are seeking jobs but lack appropriate attire to interview for or hold a job in a business office. They collected business suits, blouses, skirts, shirts, jackets, ties, and shoes that were donated to local country services for distribution.

Grad Night

Pomperaug HS in Southbury, CT, organizes an all-night party following its graduation ceremony to help students refrain from using alcohol to celebrate. Once at the party, students are not allowed to leave until morning. The community helps sponsor the event by donating prizes and money. Parents and teachers decorate and organize activities in the gym. Each senior receives a personalized collage of photographs sent in by parents.

Prom Rescue

Recognizing that some seniors might not be able to afford the expense of attending prom, the student council at Duluth (GA) HS covers the expenses for four senior boys and four senior girls to attend. They solicit donations of dresses, tuxedos, and dinner from local merchants and pay the cost of the tickets from student council funds. It is handled confidentially through school administrators so the student council members don't know who receives the assistance.

Special Needs Prom

Each year the student council of Pennridge HS in Perkasie, PA, hosts a prom for a local facility of special needs adults. Held in the school cafeteria, the event features refreshments, a disc jockey, and student council dance partners. "Our guests come dressed in their best outfits. They hear the music and want to dance and this is where our council members join in. We become dance partners for the evening," says student council adviser Mike White. "It is a spirited evening filled with laughter. Our students enjoy hosting the prom as much as our special friends from the community."

Senior Ball

Student council members at Phoenix (NY) HS organize a yearly dress-up affair for senior citizens from nursing homes in their community that includes a buffet and dancing. The seniors--many of whom are in wheelchairs--are transported by bus to the school where they are greeted by student council members. A highlight of the event is group wheelchair dancing where everyone goes side by side and holds hands. Student council members enjoy the interaction and enjoy getting to learn "new" dances from the seniors.

"Every year our students are deeply touched by the connection made with these very special people," said Stacey Cook, student council president. "The seniors are just as touched because they realize that these young adults are taking their time to reach out and go back to their time and enjoy their music with them. It's a small thing that means a lot to both parties," she said.

Senior Citizen Computer Classes

Members of Lion's Quest, a community service group at Evergreen Park (IL) HS teamed up with senior citizens in their community for a six week course in how to use the computer. Each Wednesday the students teach their senior partner such things as how to use a word processor, how to surf the Internet and use e-mail, and even introduce them to playing games on the computer. At the end of the six weeks, the senior citizens have an opportunity to show the students how much they have learned.

Buckle Up for Safety

To emphasize safety and increase the number of students wearing seat belts, student council members at North Community HS in Minneapolis, MN, stand in the parking lot each morning for a week in February or March and check the cars to make sure occupants are buckled up. In addition they hang posters of crashed cars in the school and conduct awareness activities. Each day they count how many people are buckled up and how many are not. After the week they compile the data to present a report at a safety conference.

One Homeless Night

To raise money for the homeless and raise awareness of the plight of homeless people, FCCLA members of Pomperaugh HS in Southbury, CT, collect pledges in preparation for spending a night outside. Organizers provide large cardboard boxes from local stores and on the assigned date, participants arrive in the evening for one homeless night. The evening is spent quietly and the event goes on rain or shine, although in case of inclement weather participants can bring tarps.

Drawer Drive

National Honor Society members at Booker T. Washington HS in Tulsa, OK, advertise their "Drawer Drive" with posters of stick-figures wearing construction paper boxer shorts. They collect adult-sized underwear and socks, which are donated to a local day center for the homeless. When clients come to the center they are given the opportunity to shower, eat, and receive toiletries, including new socks and underwear.

Santa Letters

Hillsboro (MO) HS National Honor Society members get a chance to play Santa each year in a collaborative effort with the local elementary school. Students in kindergarten, first, and second grades write letters to Santa which their teachers send to the NHS. Each Honor Society member receives a class to which to write responses. Members then dress up as Santa's helpers, distribute the letters with candy canes to the children, and help them read their letters.

Weatherizing Homes

Montwood HS in El Paso, TX, organizes the student councils in their district to weatherize homes of low income residents in their area. They solicit donations of weatherizing materials from hardware and home improvement stores, then perform the work on about 20 homes each year.

PB&J Sandwiches

Realizing that giving is not always about money, the National Honor Society members at Bishop Shanahan HS in Downingtown, Pa., purchase or collect donations of peanut butter, jelly, bread, and sandwich bags for a weekly sandwich making session. Every Tuesday a team of NHS members make sandwiches and one person delivers them to a local shelter for abused women for the children in the safe house. Overheard during the sandwich making: "Don't be stingy with the peanut butter-remember, a kid is going to eat this."

Leadership Development Activities

Leadership Day

The student council and National Honor Society at Edison HS in Minneapolis, MN, joined forces to sponsor a leadership day to provide training for student leaders from all student groups. Each group was invited to send leaders to leadership day, which included icebreakers, problem solving, trust building, discussion of common issues, and other training.

Leadership Luncheon

The student council at Baldwin HS in Pittsburgh, Pa., celebrates the election of the new officers with a leadership luncheon followed by an afternoon of teambuilding activities and workshops where officers learn about their specific officer roles. This type of activity would also be a great way to celebrate National Student Leadership Week.

Leadership Recognition Program

Because of the large number of students who belong to both student council and NHS, Washington Township HS in Valparaiso, Ind., conducts a leadership recognition program at the end of each school year in which they combine the student council program with National Honor Society induction. They begin the evening with all leadership awards (Boys and Girls State, DAR, and others) then move on to recognize outgoing student council officers. New student council officers are inducted and the program moves to the National Honor Society inductions.

After the induction ceremony they conclude with a children's story. Each year they use a different children's story, relating the theme of the evening-- including decorations, cakes, and a gift for each student--to the book. "I have used Caretakers of Wonder and gave each student a star key chain. The Empty Pot was read with each student getting a small clay pot with a seed in it; a short fable about frogs jumping into a hole was read last year and each student received a small frog," said Diane Warren, student council adviser.

Leadership Breakfast

Each May, the student council of St. Mark's HS in Wilmington, Del., sponsors a leadership breakfast for senior leaders and their parents, coaches, and advisers. Invitees are determined by asking each coach and adviser to nominate three seniors from his or her team, club, or organization who demonstrated outstanding leadership. The day of the breakfast begins with a mass (it's a Catholic school) during which three students share what being a leader has meant to them. The breakfast is a formal, sit-down affair. Underclassmen wear nice outfits and serve the breakfast that is provided by a caterer. The guest speaker is usually a recent graduate who shares how he or she has translated high school leadership experiences into his or her college experience.

Character Building Activities

Patriotic Expression

National Honor Society members at Willby HS in Waterbury, CT, have done several projects to promote a sense of pride in the United States. One of the largest undertakings was the creation of a 15 x 50' vinyl banner of the U.S. flag which read "Land of the free, home of the brave," that was created in conjunction with the Waterbury Neighborhood Council. The banner became a billboard in the community and was displayed for more than a month.

White Ribbon Week

Believing that it is important for teenagers to educate themselves about issues facing teens today, the student council at Rockdale County HS in Conyers, Ga., sponsors White Ribbon Week during the week of Valentine's Day. Modeled after Red Ribbon Week, which teaches students about the dangers of illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, the purpose of White Ribbon Week is to teach teens about the physical, social, and emotional dangers of early sexual involvement. A special topic is emphasized on each day during the week: teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted, diseases, date rape, the advantages of abstinence, and healthy relationships. Classes are invited to hear speakers on the topics who include doctors, health department officials, adolescent counselors and psychologists, AIDS Atlanta speakers, and members of the staff at the Center for Disease Control.

"We believe we can help our friends and classmates take charge of their own lives by arming them with information that they need to avoid giving in to negative peer pressure," said Kristen Meador, school pride chairperson.

Scholarship Building Activities

Pride Night

Teachers at East Hartford (CT) HS choose students who do their work and get good grades to participate in monthly Pride Nights, where students can play sports and games, dance in the cafeteria, eat refreshments--sometimes donated by Ben & Jerry's and Subway--and participate in a raffle for prizes. The event lasts from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

College Life Preparation

Each January, the NHS chapter at Wright Prep School in Mobile, Ala., invites four or five recent graduates to return to speak at an assembly to students in grades 9-12 on a variety of topics concerning college life. The graduates offer information on topics as diverse as time spent studying, social life, tips on roommate selection, and expenses. "Both returning grads and the present student body really look forward to this annual event," said Anne Smith, NHS adviser.

Freshman Care Packages

To help freshmen survive their first round of midyear exams, National Honor Society members at Randolph (MA) HS prepare care packages with snacks, pens, and other goodies. The packages are delivered to every freshman in the school along with good luck wishes for their exams.

Celebration of Seuss

In honor of Dr. Seuss, National Honor Society members at Sampson HS in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, conduct a weeklong series of activities with elementary school students. On Monday they read Dr. Seuss books for an hour to each grade. On Tuesday they give out Dr. Seuss hats, stickers, and pencils. On Wednesday they create their own Dr. Seuss-style story. Thursday is green eggs and ham day. On Friday they celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday by making a cake with the children and eating it. Ed. note: For information about the Read Across America program, a national program by the National Education Association that promotes reading by celebrating Dr. Seuss, visit readacross/.

Holiday Storybook Readings

National Honor Society members at East Jessamine HS in Nicholasville, KY, take up a collection of holiday storybooks that they take to a local elementary school. While there they team up with students to read the books.

Promoting Literacy

The National Honor Society chapter at Manchester (N.H.) HS West coordinates its service activities around a central theme of promoting literacy. The group has sponsored school book drives where members of the organization bring in children's books which are then donated to local schools. They have also participated in a statewide book drive. Their Book Buddies program involves bussing NHS members to local grammar schools where they read to children. In addition, they participate in the Kid's Café program in which members tutor low-income students after school.

Citizenship Development

Lunch with the Principal

In an effort to reach out to the part of their student population that just doesn't get involved in sports, clubs, or school in general, the student council at North Allegheny Intermediate School in Pittsburgh, PA, put a new twist on an old idea. Every other week, student council arranged a special "take-out" luncheon with their principal in the student activities office. They randomly handed out 30 invitations in the cafeteria the day before the lunch and provided a list of two or three topics that would be discussed at the luncheon.

"Hey, it was a free lunch and a chance to meet the principal," said Kathy Ann Coll, student activities director. "The first one had 20 students show up, and they increased in popularity when students realized that she really wanted to hear their opinions, changes could occur, and answers were accessible."

Different groups of students were given tickets and represented at these informal talks. "Because kids responded to it, this year we plan to continue the program and take it one step further," said Coll. "We hope to get some of these kids involved on principal committees to address problems, get out information, and encourage others to get involved. I know for sure this idea made a difference at my school," she said.

SGA Rewards Program

The Student Government Association (SGA) at Brunswick (Md.) HS sponsors a reward program for students who demonstrate good attendance, character, and work habits. For each term, any student who has a 3.25 grade point average, has fewer than two absences, has no discipline referrals, and participates in one activity is eligible to participate in the program. To participate, students who meet the requirements fill out an application and are invited to an after school pizza party where they each receive a prize. The prizes--either donated or purchased by the SGA--include such things as SAT fees, Homecoming tickets, and gift certificates.

Veteran's Day Assembly

A Veteran's Day assembly at Andrews (TX) HS salutes members of their community who have served in the armed forces. Veterans, widows of veterans, and their family members are invited to participate in the assembly, which features patriotic songs by the choir, performances by the school band of the national anthem and songs of each branch of the armed forces, a guest speaker, and recognition of the veterans. In addition, the school sponsors an essay contest on "What America Means to Me" with the winner receiving $50 and second place receiving $25.

Punch Cards

In an effort to encourage participation in school activities, each student at Grand Island (NY) HS is given a laminated punch card at the beginning of the school year. Students who attend school events-drama productions, sports events, music performances, student council events, etc.-receive a punch on their card. When the card is filled it is entered into a drawing for prizes that are awarded at the end of the semester.

Recycling Renaissance Art Show

In an attempt to get teachers, students, other organizations, student council members, and the community involved in a unique and worthwhile project, the student council at Lewisville (Tex.) HS sponsored a Recycling Renaissance Art Show. Art teachers in the district were asked to create a unit in which each of their students, or a group of students from classes, could put together sculptures made with recyclable materials. A committee member contacted Texas Waste Management, the school's Environmental Club, and the National Honor Society chapter to help collect recyclable material. Texas Waste Management was also asked to pick up the recyclable projects after the show.

More than 700 students created sculptures which were displayed for the public on the day of the show from 5:30-7:00 p.m. The entry fee was one or more recyclable products. First, second, and third place prizes--obtained by soliciting donations from the community--were awarded in high school, middle level, and elementary categories.

Spirit of Southside

The National Honor Society at Southside HS in Muncie, Ind., offers a unique program to direct volunteers to appropriate organizations for service. Called Spirit of Southside (SOS) the program features a brochure in which six participating agencies are listed with contact information, a description of the agency, and a list of types of volunteer duties. Students are encouraged to volunteer 25 hours during the school year at one of the agencies.

Spirit Projects

Spring Fest

To celebrate the end of the school year and provide an opportunity for students to sign each other's yearbooks, the National Honor Society at Brussels (IL) HS hosts a Spring Fest each May. NHS provides competitive activities such as volleyball, water balloon toss, tug-of-war over a mud pit, and trivia contests. Competitions are held between classes and the winning classes get an early dismissal and candy. NHS members also barbecue and sell hamburgers and hot dogs to cover the expenses of the day.

Sled Race

A homeroom competition at Rocori HS in Cold Spring, MN, pits three-person teams against each other in a 100-meter sled race held during Snow Week. Homerooms supply their own sleds, which are pulled by two people with a third person riding the sled. Qualifying rounds with 6-8 homerooms narrow the field to a final race. The whole school goes out to watch the event and homerooms get into the act with cheers. The winning class receives a pizza and root beer float party.

Survivor

Modeled after the television show, Survivor at Richland (WA) HS involves two teams of eight students (a boy and girl from each grade). Applications and interviews help organizers select the best group of contestants. The teams undertake weekly challenges which are designed to be more exciting than regular class competitions. Each time a team loses they vote a person off until only eight people remain, at which point it becomes an individual competition. Each time a person wins, he or she gains immunity, which means they can vote someone off but no one can vote them off. The competition continues until one person is declared the winner.

Jaguar Paws

To develop school spirit and leave their mark on their new high school, NHS members at East Jessamine HS in Nicholasville, Ky., sold Jaguar Paws which were painted on the walkway leading from the school's entrance. Each paw print was painted with the student or faculty member's name, year of graduation, and sport decal or other activity symbol. Proceeds from the sale funded the group's attendance at the state convention.

Tailgating

Before home football games at Pennridge HS in Perkasie, PA, student council members bring out grills and food and host a tailgating party in the school's parking lot, complete with a disc jockey. The spirit-boosting event brings together students and members of the community who come to eat before the game.

Spirit Couch

Combining fundraising with fun raising the student council at Warren Central HS in Indianapolis, Ind., sponsors a "spirit couch" at basketball games. Students pay 25 cents for a chance to sit on the spirit couch with five friends during a basketball game. The gym has a small balcony at the end of the playing floor that has a double railing and is big enough for a long couch. Council members borrow a couch from the Performing Arts Center and decorate the railing and the couch. The winning student chooses his friends, sits on the couch during the game (the best seats in the house!), and is served pizza and soft drinks at halftime.

Let's Make a Deal

The student council of Notre Dame HS in St. Louis, Mo., developed a fun lunchtime activity that is a spin off of the game show Let's Make a Deal. Several days before the activity they notify students to bring in odd items-movie ticket stubs, ball game tickets, mom's grocery list, hair pins, curlers, shower caps, teddy bears, Pokeman cards, and so forth-in their purses or bookbags. On the day of the activity, a student council member serves as the announcer at lunch. She calls for one of the items and a panel of student council judges determines the first person to raise their hand. Whoever raises their hand first comes forward and selects either bag one, bag two, or bag three, which are a combination of gift bags and grocery bags. Inside each bag is a gift--as with the TV show, some are good and some are bad. The bad ones are often deceptive, since they sometimes have $1, $5, or $10 underneath.

"For the first few times the announcer shows what the student could have won if he or she had chosen the other bags. Eventually students will try to select the worse bag thinking money is attached. By this time, you no longer attach money to the gifts," said Ann Bolzenius, student council adviser. "This is a great opportunity to get rid of your old student council stuff--decorations, T-shirts, etc., and the kids love it," she said.

Battle of the Classes

During spirit week, the student council of Scituate (N.Y.) HS sponsors a Battle of the Classes in which students from all grades compete in a variety of events. Students pay $5 to enter the gym and they receive five raffle tickets. Inside the gym, students sit by grade level in four bleacher sections. Raffle tickets are drawn to determine contestants for each event. Events vary from year to year and have included relay events, Jello wrestling, sundae building and eating, and whipped cream musical chairs. To protect the floor, council members cover the gym floor with plastic sheets. The student council adviser serves as the judge for events. Winners of each event earn points that go toward the overall spirit competition for the week.

Fundraising

Spaghetti Dinner and Auction

In an effort to raise money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and a young boy in their community afflicted with leukemia, the student council at Metropolitan Christian HS in Dallas, TX, organized a spaghetti dinner and auction of donated items. Council members contacted local businesses asking for items that could be auctioned off and received donations such as basketball tickets, gift certificates, and restaurant coupons. All items were auctioned at the spaghetti dinner and the proceeds from the evening were $1,300.

Parking Lot Sale

Accommodating both bargain hunters and those who want to get rid of old household items, members of NHS at Metropolitan Christian HS in Dallas, TX, hosted a giant "garage" sale in the parking lot of their school. Members divided the parking lot into spaces and charged people a fee to set up their items for sale. After paying the fee, any proceeds the seller made were his or hers to keep. NHS raised additional funds by selling refreshments and holding a car wash during the sale.

Rummage Sale

The Charity Challenge at Cudahy (WI) HS made more than $3,000 last year by collecting items from parents and community members from September through April and holding a huge rummage sale in the spring. Leftovers were donated to the Salvation Army, the local library, a senior citizen center, a local food pantry, and groups that make rugs for charity from old jeans.

The Dating Game

The National Honor Society at Seminole HS in Sanford, FL, organizes a Dating Game based on the concept of the television show, with three bachelors and three bachelorettes asking unseen contestants a series of questions. The questions are written by the NHS officers, who also choose the contestants. The show is unrehearsed, which adds to the comic value. After the bachelors/bachelorettes ask their questions, the audience votes by applause to indicate who should be selected from the unseen contestants to form the new couple. After the six couples have been decided, the audience also votes for which couple should be named best couple, most likely to break up, most likely to stay together, and cutest couple. Musical entertainment is provided while the votes are counted and certificates are presented at the end of the show. Audience members pay $3 per ticket to attend this annual event, which allows for a fun and easy fundraiser as it draws big crowds each year.

KC Jam

Karaoke and Coffee (KC) Jam is a fundraiser sponsored by the Mankato (MN) West HS National Honor Society chapter in partnership with a local coffeehouse. The coffeehouse sponsors the event and donates a percentage of the revenue made on refreshments purchased. A karaoke machine is set up for entertainment.

Coffeehouse

The NHS at Woodbury (MN) HS takes the coffeehouse idea a step farther by creating their own coffeehouse in the school's cafeteria. Members create a stage with a black background and twinkle lights and bring in couches to create more comfortable seating. Students serve as emcees for a series of student-perfomed acts--musical, poetic, dance, and so forth. A $3 admission is charged and concessions are sold.

Sing-o-Grams

Future Educators of America members at Highland HS in Higley, Ariz., sponsored a creative fundraising effort with a Sing-o-gram project. FEA club members worked in shifts, sitting outside the cafeteria, selling sing-o-grams for one dollar. Purchasers could designate recipients and suggest lyrics. FEA club members then sang a message from the purchaser to the recipient, who was often a complete stranger.

Walk for Warmth

To raise money for the local fuel bank that provides heat for homes in need, the National Honor Society at Windham (CT) Tech HS organizes a Walk for Warmth. Hundreds of students, teachers, parents, and community members obtain pledges from sponsors for the four-mile walk. Groups compete to raise the most money, with the winning group getting a donated DJ for its next dance.

Senior Trunk Raffle

A unique raffle at Medway (MA) HS has student council members soliciting donations of necessities for college dorm life. They fill a trunk with the products and sell raffle tickets to seniors and their parents. One lucky winner gets the trunk when his or her name is called at the senior banquet.

Kidnap the Teacher

The student council of Ada (OK) HS organizes a campaign to kidnap a teacher each spring as a fundraiser. Members collect money from every teacher's classes every period for a week, keeping track of the total collected for each class. At the end of the week, student council officers bring a substitute teacher into the class of the teacher whose students raised the most money. They take the teacher away in a wheelchair for an hour off and the class gets a party.

Turkey Teacher

During the week before Thanksgiving, the student council at Braxton County HS in Sutton, WV, sponsors a turkey teacher contest. Council members post a picture of a turkey outside each classroom and sell "feathers" to be added to the turkey for 10 cents. For 25 cents a person can take a feather off a turkey. Student council members sell the feathers, keep track of the number sold (in case of stolen or inappropriately added feathers), and glue the feathers on daily. On the Friday before Thanksgiving they announce the name of the teacher with the most feathers--the turkey teacher--who is presented with a stuffed turkey to sit on his or her desk.

Bowling for Wishes

Breaking away from their normal tradition of having a spring service project that focused on campus or community beautification, the NHS chapter at Crestwood HS in Dearborn Heights, Mich., planned a fundraising project to help the Michigan Association of Honor Societies (MAHS) charity of the year, the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Members planned a bowling outing for all 115 chapter members. Each member who wanted to attend was asked to raise at least $10 in pledges and pay a fee to go bowling. If they raised $25 or more, members could attend the outing and not pay for bowling. The night of the event, 60 members attended the bowling outing and the chapter raised $1974.

Reserved Parking

The student council at Bastrop (Tex.) HS came up with a fundraising project that capitalizes on the desire every student who drives to school has to be able to find a parking space close to the building. Since regular parking permits at Bastrop cost $20 and do not guarantee a space, student council reserves 50 parking spaces that they sell by number for $35. These spaces are reserved until noon. " It's good income with little hassle," reports adviser Terry Hamm. "After we bought signs and painted the numbers, there is about a $50 overhead per year for decals."

Lip Sync

Each spring the student council of Londonderry (NH) HS offers the student body and faculty members the opportunity to display their performing abilities in a lip sync contest. Interested persons sign up to perform a practiced act in front of the entire student body. "People really let loose and put a lot of effort into it. This results in a great turnout as well as a successful fundraiser," says senior Melissa Kopacz. "Best of all, this activity is something any person from any group can participate in."

Almost Anything Goes

During spirit week at Coventry (RI) HS the Almost Anything Goes activity is the most competitive portion of the week. Students pay a $3 admission fee to see classes compete in Jello wrestling, ice cream musical chairs, water balloon toss, obstacle courses, and other events. Winners of each event earn points that go towards the spirit week point totals.

Friday Fun Night

The student council and the town parks department in Middleboro, MA, team up to host an evening of fun and games on the high school football field in the spring. They rent jumpy houses and inflatable slides, create assorted obstacle courses, and hire a live band and disc jockey to perform. For a $10 admission fee, participants get three to four hours of unlimited access to the fun. At 8:00 they show a movie on a big screen in the field. The movie selection is voted on from a pre-selected list by the student council the week before the event.

Kiss the Seniors Goodbye

As a farewell to members of the senior class, student council members at Livonia (MI) Franklin HS sell cards for seniors for their friends to write farewell messages. The cards are delivered with four Hershey's kisses during the last week of school.

Tennis Tournament

To publicize their doubles tennis tournament to raise money for the American Red Cross, student council members at Wethersfield (CT) HS advertised at all the tennis courts at schools and tennis centers in nearby towns. A $10 entry fee was charged for each double entering the tournament. Registrations in advance were preferred but they also accepted competitors the day of the event.

Kiss for Make-A-Wish

Boys and girls at Pahrump Valley (NV) HS pay $1 to kiss a card in a unique fundraiser organized by the student council. The cards are put on display and students pay 25 cents to vote on the best kiss. The boy and girl who get the most votes are crowned Mr. and Ms. Irresistible at the Valentine's dance. All proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Have a Heart

During the week before Valentine's Day, student council members at Memphis (TN) Central HS sell red paper hearts for $1. Students choose what name they want written on the heart. On Valentine's Day they are passed out to the students and they wear them all day. At the end of the day a name is called and whoever has that heart wins a prize. All proceeds go to the Memphis Interfaith Association.

Recognition/Appreciation Projects

Steak Dinner

The school board in Farmington, MO, hosts a steak dinner for all students who make the honor roll at Farmington Senior HS. The dinner is for the students and their parents, who are treated to a guest speaker. Past speakers have included an astronaut, the governor, and other dignitaries.

Snowmen Magnets

As a gesture of appreciation, student council members at East Rowan (NC) HS create snowmen magnets to present to faculty members. They paint Popsicle sticks white, glue hats on them, draw faces, and affix a magnet to the back. The magnets are delivered to teachers during their planning period.

Teacher Talent Show

The student council at Eleanor Roosevelt HS in Greenbelt, MD, organizes a teacher talent show to showcase the talents students might not otherwise have an opportunity to appreciate. "It gives teachers a chance to show another side to their personality that doesn't get shown normally in the classroom," says senior Emerson Davis.

Central Perk

As a gesture of appreciation, student council members at Forsyth Central HS in Cumming, GA, go around to all classrooms to deliver a room service breakfast of coffee, juice, donuts, and other breakfast foods to all teachers on a designated day.

Custodian Appreciation

To thank the custodians for all their hard work, the student council at Cimarron-Memorial HS in Las Vegas, NV, sponsors custodian appreciation day. While the custodians eat a complimentary lunch, students clean the cafeteria and lunch area. In addition to thanking the custodians, the clean-up work gives students a greater appreciation for the hard work they do.

Anniversary Pins

For its 25th anniversary celebration--which included a rededication ceremony, speeches from notable alumni, and a timeline of photographs-Bonanza HS in Las Vegas, NV, created a special anniversary pin that was given to all guests at the event. The evening concluded with refreshments and a social hour.

Flower Power

NHS members at Ursuline Academy in Springfield, Ill., show their support for peers involved in drama productions and raise money at the same time with flower sales before each school play. Carnations obtained at cost from a generous local florist are sold to students for one dollar each. Audience members then present the flowers to cast and crew members and production staffers at the school play.

Destination: Hawaii

Sometimes teachers need a real special day to make them feel appreciated. At Washington (Mo.) HS, student council had done most of the normal "appreciation" things and was looking for something a little special to do for the faculty. They decided that the entire faculty needed a trip-a trip to Hawaii. Not having the money to really send them there, they had to come up with the next best thing. They decided to create a little bit of Hawaii right at school.

"We got airplane ticket folders from a local travel agency and produced something that really looked like an airline ticket. We put these very realistic "tickets" in the teacher's mailboxes with a departure time printed on them for the next morning at 7:30 a.m.," said Karen Dawson, student council adviser. "A few of the teachers were almost convinced that they had a real ticket in their hands and were wondering where we were going to get all the subs for the next day!"

On the afternoon before the ticket's departure time, council members decorated the teacher's lounge with netting, real pineapples, flowers, and fresh fruit and placed leis in each teacher's mailbox. "With Hawaiian music playing the next morning, the teachers walked into a place that no longer looked like the dreary teacher's lounge but more like a tropical luau," said Dawson. "The scents were of fresh flowers, the sights were lovely fruits, breads, and pastries, and the music added to the feel of really being somewhere very special. Of course everyone was still right there in the old lounge, but for just a little while they were transported to a very different, exotic spot," she said.

With very little cost, council members created a very special day for the faculty. "For the rest of the day you would see smiles on everyone's face and a lei around their neck. The brief trip to the tropical paradise had surely done its magic," said Dawson. Next time-destination Australia!

Starring Role Project

The student council at Bastrop (Tex.) HS invites its members, the officers of all organizations (including team captains), and one senior from each organization who has been named by the adviser as playing a major leadership role in the organization to an ice cream, Coke float, and cookies party. They thank them for their positive efforts in making Bastrop HS successful and present each one of them with a business card that reads "Thanks for playing a starring role in my life." Each card also has a pin attached that student council members make with either glow-in-the-dark stars or small foil stars to which they have attached pin backs. They also give each attendee three additional cards with star pins and ask them to sign the cards and give them to three adults at the school.

"The first year we did this, we held our party two weeks prior to the end of school. Our principal's secretary and our attendance clerk each got three or four pins, and they each wore them every day until the end of the year. The secretary said it was the best thing that had happened to her all year," said Terry Hamm, student council adviser.

Value Our Veterans

With the purpose of honoring local veterans, the Olton (TX) HS student council organized a project that pulled together students from the entire campus. Initially, student council worked with FFA to develop an idea for a veterans' memorial. To raise funds, they applied for and received a $2,000 Learn and Serve grant and raised $700 by enlisting the help of the theater department to write and perform a USO show on Pearl Harbor Day. To develop the area for the memorial, FFA and FCA leveled soil, installed sprinklers, and planted trees. The Lions Club helped by selling brick pavers inscribed with veterans' names. Students from an art class designed a brass sculpture to be set in the memorial along with a flagpole. The idea to honor veterans turned into a project in which students and community members came together to accomplish a worthwhile goal. The dedication occurred on Memorial Day. (Reprinted from the August 2001 TASC newsletter.)

Induction Ceremonies

Induction of new members into the National Honor Society is ne of the most important traditions associated with any NHS or NJHS chapter and is an important event for the student, the chapter, and the school. The ceremony, whether public or private, provides an excellent opportunity to dramatize the purposes of the chapter. Because membership in NHS represents high levels of achievement, the induction ceremony should also reflect high standards.

The induction ceremony is usually conducted by the officers and members of the local chapter and reflects local traditions. There is no "official" ceremony; the National Council firmly believes that schools should create their own ceremonies and procedures. The only stipulation the National Council has made regarding induction ceremonies is that they be "appropriate and impressive." The following descriptions from NHS chapters are offered to help schools plan their own unique events.

Phillipsburg MS

The main part of the NJHS induction ceremony at Phillipsburg (NJ) MS is traditional and very formal: the commons is dimly lit; new and old members walk single file to the strains of live classical music; the faculty council, administrators, and inductees are suitably dressed. The controlled elegance changes to exuberance and humor when the previous year's members present the new members with gifts to help them in the coming year. Some examples of the gifts are: a golden rake to use when they participate in the town's clean-up, Unicef boxes rattling with coins to start them off on another year of collection, an appointment journal to keep for peer tutoring, a lively dance to remind them to plan for a school spirit activity, a chef's hat to wear when baking for the induction ceremony.

The audience enjoys this presentation because the members use lots of entertaining props, but the activity is important for other reasons as well. The formality is broken and parents' pride shines through; parents, administrators, and new inductees see what members have been doing all year and what the new members responsibilities will be in the coming year; and the accomplishments of the departing eighth graders are celebrated publicly. The names of all committees and chairpeople are also printed on the program.

Submitted by Ellen C. Andresen, adviser of the Phillipsburg (NJ) MS National Junior Honor Society.

Colegio Karl C. Parrish

Selecting "Reach for the Stars" as its theme, the NJHS chapter of Colegio Karl C. Parrish in Barranquilla, Colombia designed an induction ceremony that compared the members to stars and explained the real responsibilities of membership. In her speech, Sabrina Duncan, NJHS president, stressed "…being a member of (NJHS) is more than just a title, more than just a few words. Being part of the Junior Honor Society means…standing up when facing obstacles, because we have to shine more than ever; it is finding a way through problems, because no fog can stop us from reaching there. It means not to sit and wait for things to happen, or for things to get better, but to make them happen to you. It is knowing that for doing something and for making a difference, we don't have to be officers. Up there, we are all stars, emitting large amounts of positive energy, having different positions, motions, sizes, chemical compositions, and temperatures…In time, we form a constellation, which is a society that succeeds by following laws. Five laws which guide every person here, making them not only successful in school, but in our future, while we journey through the galaxies…are character, scholarship, service, leadership, and citizenship."

Ledyard HS

The Poets' Society at Ledyard (CT) HS selects a senior each year to serve as Poet Laureate. This individual works closely with an English teacher who is an accomplished poet. The Laureate is responsible for a poem in each edition of the school magazine, one at graduation, and one to be delivered at the National Honor Society induction ceremony.

Rolla HS

In an effort to bring teachers and students together and increase teacher support at the NHS banquet, the Rolla (MO) HS NHS chapter presents "Most Influential Teacher" Awards. Each NHS senior names the teacher who has been the most influential in his/her life while at Rolla HS. Following the induction ceremony, each senior is called to the front and the NHS adviser reads out the name of that student's most influential teacher. Certificates and a pin or some other remembrance are presented to the selected teachers. The teachers do not know who chose them until the announcement at the induction ceremony. In addition to letting teachers know they are appreciated, the gesture also gives students an opportunity to reflect on the fact that others have helped them get to where they are.

Weedsport Central HS

NHS members at Weedsport Central HS in New York design their induction ceremonies to recognize the accomplishments of their youth while recognizing parents and teachers who help them along the way.

Themes

The current members of the NHS choose an inspirational theme, often related to a current song on the radio so the music can be incorporated into the ceremony. A candlelight ceremony is held in the evening to accommodate parent's work schedules. Themes which have been developed around songs on the radio have included "Reach" by Gloria Estefan, "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler, "You've Got a Friend" by James Taylor, and "Go the Distance" by Michael Bolton.

Recognitions

The current members meet the new inductees ahead of the event, interview the inductee and then introduce him or her during the ceremony. The introduction highlights their accomplishments and offers a personal insight gained from the interactions of the two students. Seniors are given a flower in recognition of their involvement with NHS.

In some years, parents and/or teachers have been given a tribute. The year when the theme was "Wind Beneath My Wings" each student gave a short statement of how their parents are the wind and then presented them with a flower. They also wrote personal invitations to teachers who made a special difference (we made sure each teacher received one) and asked them to come. A speech was given to honor teachers. Many teachers attended and were proud to hear how they make a difference.

Food

The typical ceremony includes a covered dish supper prepared by the families of the current members held prior to the ceremony, or a dessert reception held after the ceremony. The families have gladly offered to make food and it results in more families attending. We decorate the cafeteria with candles, flowers, and tablecloths which helps create a formal setting.

Features

For the ceremony itself, the students walk in with lit candles, either with each current member assigned to a new inductee or officers first, followed by seniors, juniors, and new members. A student usually gives a theme speech, the four characteristics of the NHS are explained with the candles lit, a guest speaker gives an inspirational speech, members are inducted, and others are recognized. The guest speaker is generally someone from the community, an administrator, or a faculty member. The members choose the speaker.

When students are inducted, the current member gives recognition to the new member before he/she receives the pin, certificate, and card. This part of the ceremony has been most effective as it helps the members get to know one another and helps them appreciate their different strengths.

We have also have a slide show with accompanying music that shows pictures of the students in NHS activities and in school related activities. The slide show uses a song connected to the theme or the theme song itself. Parents and students alike enjoy this presentation.

Submitted by Teresa Huggins, the former adviser of the Weedsport Central National Honor Society chapter.

Lindenhurst HS

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the National Honor Society, the executive board of the Lindenhurst (NY) HS National Honor Society chapter purchased a cake and lead the singing of "Happy Birthday" to NHS at a reception following the ceremony. A record 45 new members were inducted during the ceremony which featured speeches describing the true meaning of an NHS member. The formal reception for more than 150 guests was catered by the Culinary Arts class of the high school.

Edgewood HS

Edgewood Regional HS in Atco, NJ, recently conducted its thirty-eighth induction of members into the National Honor Society. The evening began with a banquet and the awarding of the third annual Staff Appreciation Award. For a staff member to receive this award, he or she must first be nominated by an Honor Society member. The nomination should include the ways the nominee taught, counseled, directed, coached, inspired or encouraged students to:

• Do their best in a field of study or personal achievement

• Uphold the principles that represent the NHS

• Accomplish their personal goals and objectives.

The officers, faculty adviser, and the principal review all nomination letters and select the staff member who will receive the award.

The induction ceremony itself began after the banquet. In recognition of the 75th anniversary of the NHS, Edgewood decided to induct an honorary member, former New Jersey Governor James Florio who was a member of the chapter in 1979.

Chapter officers led the procession to "The Colors of the Wind," followed by a welcome address by Mr. Florio. A presentation of the objectives of NHS was given by the chapter historian. The chapter officers each read the meaning of one of the attributes of NHS members-scholarship, leadership, service, and character-and lit a candle. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inductees by the chapter adviser. Each inductee received an official certificate, membership pin, and handbook. To finish off the festivities, the Alma Mater was sung. Finally the recessional began as members, both old and new, walked out to "Linus and Lucy."

Holy Redeemer HS

The traditional candle-lighting ceremony took on new life this year as the inductees gathered valuable lessons from The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint Exupery. An interpretive reading of the dialogue between the Little Prince and the inhabitants of Asteroids 325 through 330 proved to be entertaining and informative.

A lesson in leadership came from the king on the first planet. He insisted that his authority should be respected and he gave "reasonable orders" but to be an effective leader we know that one must "require from each the duty which each can perform." The second planet was inhabited by a conceited man who was always asking to be admired. To be sure, admiration is desirable, but our interpreter commented that good character consists in realizing that everything that is right is not always popular and everything that is popular is not always right.

The businessman on the fourth planet spoke of "matters of consequence" so we recognized service activities as proof of NHS commitment to today's "matters of consequence."

Finally, the explorer on Asteroid 330 became our scholar. There is a difference between that which is "ephemeral" and knowledge that will carry forth into the future. As the last candle was lit and the NHS pledge was recited, 22 more members left to live the lessons from The Little Prince.

Wappingers Falls JHS

The induction ceremony at Wappingers Falls (NY) JHS carries out a different theme each year. Last year's "Reach for the Stars" was seen in the foil stars that decorated the background stage curtain, the wire gift wrap halos worn by the ushers, and the program cover. The speakers on the NJHS qualities all indicated how reaching for the stars would improve that quality. The guest speaker, an avid star-gazer, gave a brief history of astronomy, indicating how each of the ancients, even those who were incorrect, contributed to our knowledge.

In honor of the Olympics, this year's theme was "Go For the Gold." Again, the speeches all reflected the importance of aiming high. The guest speaker was the coach of the winning Marist College basketball team. The inductees all wore a gold "medal," a chocolate gold foil coin hot-glued to a red neck ribbon.

McHenry Community HS

The Maurie Taylor Chapter of National Honor Society at McHenry (IL) East Campus HS had an induction with a touch of class this year. As the inductees and their families and friends arrived, beautiful music wafted throughout the Teaching Theater used for the ceremony. The music was compliments of a biology teacher and a physics teacher, playing a wooden Renaissance era flute and a harpsichord piano. The virtuosos wore matching full tuxedos with tails for their debut. Both inductees and guests alike expressed their enthusiastic approval for the program.

Columbia Central HS

The handbook from NASSP for the National Honor Society provides only a little information about induction ceremonies, merely that they be impressive and formal. So what is a little chapter with a new adviser to do? Columbia Central HS of Brooklyn, MI, did it up big, securing the talents of Miss Coni Lyn Hull, the reigning (at that time) Miss Michigan. We also renamed and dedicated the chapter to a faculty member who had died the year before. His family was invited, a plaque was presented to them, and the evening was a true success.

So how do you top all of that? My officers and I met back in August, and I put the word out to start looking for someone to speak at inductions. All kinds of ideas surfaced-after all, we had to do better than last year-but all were rejected for one reason or another. As the deadline came upon us, a letter came out of the blue. One of the inductees just happened to be the son of one of the charter members from back in 1960. She wrote me and mentioned that Mike was the last child to be inducted from that original group, most of whom still lived in the community. Suddenly, ad idea! Why not ask these charter members to speak? After all, if it weren't for them, there wouldn't be a chapter today. Well, we asked, but they refused. They were all more than willing to come in, but no one wanted to take the podium.

So once again we were without a speaker. A brainstorming session came up with the idea of inviting Miss Vivian Kellogg, a member of the All American Girls Baseball League during WWII, and now a AABSL Hall of Famer. Miss Kellogg just happens to live in our town, the baseball field is named after her, and all the roads leading into town have welcome signs designating Brooklyn as her hometown. We called her and she was delighted.

So, finally all the pieces were falling into place. But we still had all these charter members to deal with. Yearbooks, newspaper clippings, and all other kinds of memorabilia started to surface; the history of our school's NHS chapter was becoming more and more clear. The current members were starting to speculate as to what the members from the '60s did for projects, parties, etc. A phone call to one of the members painted a picture of America just prior to the Vietnam Conflict. The typical American high school student knew that something was happening, but wasn't sure what. A suggestion was made to have the charter members act as assistants during the ceremony, passing out certificates, cards, and pins. This was met with great enthusiasm from the charter members, as they were finally doing something more than just sitting on the stage.

When the evening for inductions came around, my officers and I were worried about how all this would come together. The charter members started coming is, some alone, some with spouses or children. To them it was an evening of remembering, to us it was a chance to meet someone new. A very special person then arrived-the original adviser for the chapter, now well into her eighties. Hugs, stories, and laughs were shared by all.

The actual induction ceremony went as planned, with its normal share of glitches; as I told my officers (who actually planned and ran the ceremony) no one in the audience really knows what we have to do or say, so if things don't happen, no one will know.

It was especially great for me to be able to introduce the original adviser to the audience, and she gladly took the podium and charged the current members with maintaining the high standards that she and the charter members set up more than 30 years ago. During the candle light part of the service, when the inductees take the pledge, the original members went down into the audience and lit the new member's candles. It was a very impressive sight, the line of inductees, parents, and charter members all holding candles and pledging to commit to their school and community. So do you have to have a big name celebrity for your speaker? We did, and it was great. But this year's induction proved that sometimes just an old friend speaking means just as much. If you are looking for a speaker, or even a theme for your induction ceremony, don't look towards Hollywood-look into your past and see what you can find. We did, and what we learned will be with us for a long time.

Submitted by Tom Oakley NHS adviser at Columbia Central HS in Brooklyn, MI. This article originally appeared in the April 1997 issue of Leadership magazine.

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Leadership magazine would like to feature your school's induction ceremony in its next article on inductions. Send a description of your ceremony and include favorite quotations on leadership, service, scholarship, and character or other items that describe your ceremony. Color photos are also welcome. Please do not write on the backs of photographs; write caption information on a separate sheet. Mail your information to Leadership for Student Activities, Lyn Fiscus, editor, 1904 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1537, or e-mail to leadershipmag@.

Ten Basic Necessities for All NHS And NJHS Chapters

When one reviews the national constitution for the Honor Societies, a list of 10 activities emerges that are fundamental to every chapter.

NOTE: All chapters should be using the most recent editions of the NHS and NJHS Handbooks when organizing and conducting chapter activities (1997 for NHS; 1998, NJHS). Advisers (or others) needing a copy of the handbook can order one from the NHS sales office. Call 800-253-7746 and ask for the sales office, and please have your school affiliation number handy to complete your order.

1. AFFILIATION: Every chapter must affiliate with the national office on an annual basis. Article IV, sections 2 and 3 refer to this connection to the national office. Once your chapter is chartered (established), the yearly affiliation fee entitles you to all of the benefits of membership [link to benefits table] including your subscription to Leadership for Student Activities magazine and receipt of annual publications and scholarship information among the many other advantages. The membership year runs from July 1 to June 30.

2. SELECTION PROCESS: Once organized, each chapter must develop a selection process (Article IX). This process will include utilizing a five-member Faculty Council, appointed by the principal, that undertakes the selection of all new members as well as the general supervision of chapter activities and the disciplining of existing members of the chapter (if necessary). The selection process is supervised by the chapter adviser who sits as a sixth, nonvoting member of the Faculty Council. No principal or assistant principal may serve on the Faculty Council (see also, Article VII).

3. PUBLISH: Because the Honor Society serves to recognize outstanding students in the school, it is important for all members of the school community to understand the nature of the honor of being selected. To accomplish this, all chapters should publish their procedures (both selection and dismissal) in school publications distributed to students, faculty, and parents (Article IX, section 4). The open description of these procedures helps to maintain a healthy view of the chapter and counters any perceptions of a secretive or elitist organization that may otherwise exist in the school community.

4. REVIEW: To ensure that all of the operating procedures fit within the national guidelines, it is recommended that all chapters, under the direction of the adviser, regularly review their guidelines to see that they conform to the National Constitution (Article IV, section 5). It would be beneficial to include the school principal in this review as well as the full Faculty Council to see that there is a common understanding of all guidelines and the criteria for membership. It is recommended that this review be undertaken yearly, but definitely any time that a new principal, new adviser, or new members of the Faculty Council are appointed.

5. INDUCTION: Once selection of new members has been completed, every chapter should conduct an induction ceremony (Article VIII, section 4). Though these ceremonies may include the national insignia, motto, and colors, there is no required procedure. Local traditions and history play an important part in any school ceremony and can be included in your own special induction ceremony. (See the national handbook for a sample ceremony.)

6. MEETINGS: To conduct business of the chapter and to plan a variety of activities, regular meetings of the chapter are to be held. Article XIII provides a good outline of the basics: hold the meetings regularly, describe the meeting time in your bylaws, be prepared for special meetings when needed, and run your meetings with an agenda and in an orderly fashion. As you train your members and officers during the year, focus upon good meeting skills as one of the leadership qualities you wish to add to your members' characteristics.

7. BYLAWS: Chapter bylaws, according to Article XVI, are designed to "amplify sections of this [the National] Constitution and to clarify operating procedures of the chapter." Many chapters draw upon models that already exist in their school student councils or other organizations when formulating their local guidelines. NOTE: It is not necessary to rewrite the National Constitution into your local bylaws, but it is appropriate to make reference to it as the general guideline for all chapter functions.

8. SERVICE: Chapter service projects have evolved as a chapter requirement directly from one of the purposes of the national organization, i.e., "to stimulate a desire to render service." In recent years, many chapters have opened up their projects to participants from the student body, using chapter members as organizers and supervisors of the project. In this way, the desire to render service is built into the lives of all students in the school. (See Article XIV)

9. INDIVIDUAL SERVICE: In addition to the chapter service project, Section 4 of Article XIV speaks of each member's responsibility to engage in a service project developed from his or her own particular talents and interests. Here the local adviser can provide direction to chapter members regarding the great variety of projects available in the community and follow up with careful monitoring of student participation to see that sufficient hours of service, as stipulated in the local chapter bylaws, are being provided.

10. ANNUAL REPORT: After all is said and done, the national office asks each adviser to complete an annual report on your chapter and its activities (Article VI, section 2). The report form, which arrives in early Spring, is submitted by no later than early summer to the national office. As NHS and NJHS continue to grow and more opportunities for development are offered from the national office, the statistics gathered in this annual report become increasingly significant.

It is important that every chapter begin with these fundamental requirements for having a chapter of NHS or NJHS in their school. As an active part of the overall student activities program found at your school, your chapter can do much to make a positive, significant difference for your entire community. Look to future publications from the national office and issues of Leadership magazine to provide guidance and new ideas for helping to make your local chapter the best it can be.

The Professional's Approach to Honor Society Advising

The National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society actively support professional development for our members; our emphasis is on excellence, quality, and integrity. There is a strong history and a large array of resources available to members through the associations. The following ideas will also help advisers to fulfil responsibilities in a professional manner:

• Be professional: Stay active, get training, join professional organizations, expand your network. Utilize national resources to their fullest (workshops, conferences, publications, etc.).

• Character Counts! Utilize the six-pillar definition and celebrate Character Counts! Week in October; demonstrate respectful and caring attitudes toward all members. Go to: or for more resources.

• Cocurricular: emphasize this in all you do--we are not an extra-curricular activity (refer to excerpts from Breaking Ranks, 1996).

• Communication: 1-way v. 2-way, utilize both at appropriate times; public relations and press releases are important; learn from the marketplace; talk to your principal.

• Excellence: Promote excellence in everything you do; set a strong example for other activities groups on campus; build excellence into the overall school program.

• Fairness and Consistency: It's always important to be fair when handling cases, especially those involving students; consistency demands some record keeping to support your policies and positions.

• Involvement: Get everyone involved on your campus; employ diversity as a value; survey the needs of the various components of the school and community; be proactive.

• Know the rules: Review your national handbook and local guidelines to ensure their compliance with the national guidelines; follow them fairly and consistently.

• Leadership Development: Take the time to train your members to be leaders; use every activity as a teachable moment for leadership skills; emphasize planning, goal-setting, responsibility, and evaluation for all projects and activities.

• Meetings: Make the meetings matter. Food, music, and both genders lead to success with adolescents; create effective agendas; if you don't have to meet, don't.

• Motivation: Provide recognition; charge up the "batteries" regularly; schedule motivational activities (assemblies, workshops, speakers, retreats, etc.) on a regular basis.

• Partnerships: With other student groups, faculty, other schools, businesses-be creative. Demonstrate effective collaboration.

• Provide Orientation and Introductions of members, other students, Faculty Council, faculty, administration, parents, and so forth. New student orientation is an ideal time. Student handbook descriptions should be updated annually. Make sure information is accurate and readily available.

• Service and Service Learning: Plan group and individual service; respond to the needs of the school and community.

• Shared Decision Making and Problem Solving: "People tend to support what they create"-the democratic way should be preached and practiced.

• Technology: Needed in schools; combine technology, literacy, and civility (TLC); learn it and use it wisely; student mentors.

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