national honor society 4 pillars essay

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National Honor Society (NHS) Essay Examples & Expert Advice

July 8, 2023

Every year, high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors write National Honor Society essays in the hopes of becoming a member. It’s certainly an admirable recognition. Joining the ranks means partaking in an interscholastic tradition alongside future movers and shakers. Past National Honor Society (NHS) members have consisted of Olympians, astronauts, senators, neurosurgeons, Nobel prize winners, Navy admirals, and more. Some of the more celebrity-famous NHS-ers include journalist Katie Couric, writer, and comedian Tina Fey, and poet Robert Warren Penn. Former first lady Michelle Obama, of course. Even Taylor Swift joined the NHS in high school. You can bet her songwriting skills came in handy for the National Honor Society essay. Intimidated? Don’t be. View our NHS essay example below as well as our more general advice for the National Honor Society essay.

Before composing your own NHS essay, you may want to ask yourself, “Why should I join NHS ?” Your answer to this question will help determine if, and how, you should craft a relevant NHS essay.

The NHS in Brief

It all began with a high school principal in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who founded the National Honor Society in 1921. Today, this hundred-and-two-year-old society boasts local chapters in all 50 U.S. states and territories. It also has chapters in American and international schools abroad. Membership, open to select high school students, can open doors to interesting service and leadership opportunities. In fact, service and leadership form the cornerstone of NHS.

The one million plus students who participate in the NHS yearly have service and leadership in common. That’s because the NHS requires demonstrated community service, and demonstrated leadership. It also requires a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (though this number varies depending on the chapter) and demonstrated good character. You’ll want to check your local chapter’s specific guidelines when beginning the NHS application.

Other reasons to join the NHS include gaining access to the NHS network, an array of college planning tools, and the chance to apply for hefty scholarships. These perks naturally make for a competitive acceptance rate. So, the best way to make your application stand out involves crafting a stunning NHS essay. Here’s how.

Quick Tips for Drafting the National Honor Society Essay

1) Structure your NHS essay around the NHS Pillars: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. A high GPA acts as an indicator of your “scholarship”, or dedication to academia. This pillar must appear in your essay as well, in the form of impeccable writing skills. Demonstrate your service and leadership through the content of your essay. In other words, service and leadership form the action, or plot, of your essay. Finally, infuse your character throughout your essay, by showing how your behavior indicates your values and integrity.

2) Write from your heart, and make your NHS essay personal. The most memorable essays rely on a sincere writing voice and contain personal details. But note that by “personal,” I don’t mean you must share your deepest secrets. Rather, ground an event in your own experience by incorporating your emotions, thoughts, and sensations. This will make your essay unique to you.

3) Weave together a story; don’t make a list. As you tell your story, pull from your strongest experiences. Perhaps you have a handful of leadership and service roles. Pick only a few that say something about your interests and personality, and develop your story by threading these ideas together. While a list might look impressive, a story will come across as better crafted and more captivating. If, however, none of your service activities seem significant enough to single out and describe on their own, weave these activities together through a theme. For example, the theme could be how you overcame shyness to lead.

Quick Tips for Drafting the National Honor Society Essay, Continued

4) Mind your audience. In this case, your audience is your school’s faculty member who’s taken on the role of chapter adviser. You may want to meet with them ahead of time to let them know you’re applying. This initiative on your part will look impressive. Moreover, you can ask in person what they look for in an NHS essay. Certainly, they’ll want to know how you stand out from the other applicants. So, you’ll also want to keep your competition in mind. As with college application essays, the tone of your NHS essay should be polite, formal, and charismatic.

5) Brainstorm, draft, edit, and repeat. A National Honor Society essay isn’t written overnight. Once you have your initial ideas down on paper, return to the page for a round of editing. Ask yourself where you can expand and where you sound redundant. Look for common threads and themes to enhance. Create transition sentences between paragraphs. Revise your conclusion. Next, show your essay to someone you trust. Their feedback will indicate where your essay excels and where you need to improve.

NHS Essay Example

My grandmother, or Ma-Maw , was the kind of generous busybody who made six different pies for her granddaughters’ birthdays. She invited everyone on the block, so nothing went to waste. Once, when we both went to shovel up the last slice of pie, she laughed, and said, “ noblesse oblige .” She often spoke French, a Louisiana French foreign yet familiar to me. I didn’t think to ask what she’d meant. Did she think I was noble? Was that why I got to scarf down the last of the cherry pie?

Ma-Maw died the summer before I entered high school. I missed her terribly, long after my parents sold her house. Receiving her redirected mail felt like a blow. So many newsletters from Friends of the New Orleans Public Library! Since I loved books as much as Ma-Maw, I opened these up. Inside, I read about a partnership program, Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR). They needed in-person volunteers to tutor second- and third-graders in reading.

Before I knew it, I was cracking open vocabulary books twice a week with a kid named Harper. When I wasn’t tutoring, I was lesson planning, going over Harper’s writing journal, and scouring shelves for more early reader books. This got me thinking about literacy in New Orleans. 39% of high school students my age have the reading level of a 5 th grader—or worse. Harper lived in a part of town that didn’t even have bookstores. Would she keep up her reading once the tutoring was over, despite the odds? I also thought about representation and accessibility. If Harper had more books about people like her, and if those books were all over the place, and easy to take home, would things change?

NHS Essay Example, Continued

Due to this newfound interest in advocating for literacy, I decided to build a Free Little Library (FLL). To do so, I needed help. That spring, I founded a school club, Reading the World, and convinced 8 members to join. Together, we dismantled one of Ma-Maw’s kitchen cabinets and incorporated other used materials to build an upcycled stand that could fit 20 books.

Next, we got in touch with the program Read for Color, which helps make BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other diverse and marginalized voices heard. I believe their initiative parallels our own, which is to provide a diversity of voices through language itself. Our FLL features books in Cajun French and Creole and works in translation. With permission, we installed the FLL outside Ma-Maw’s old home. For its inauguration, our club invited the local organizations Youth Empowerment Project, One Book One New Orleans, and Read in Color. We plan to collaborate with these groups next year.

Now a sophomore, I’ve continued literacy advocacy by volunteering at Alliance Française events. This has given me new ideas about how to run Reading the World. I’ve added monthly book club events. Furthermore, every club member tutors a STAIR student. Finally, we’ll visit local senior homes at Thanksgiving and Christmas and read to the residents.

Ma-Maw would be happy to hear I won the L’Union Française’s Prix d’Excellence this year. She’d be even more thrilled to see how I’ve shared her love of reading with my community. Now I understand noblesse oblige : if you believe you are someone of noble character, then you must act accordingly. This NHS motto was easy for Ma-Maw to follow. She gave everything and led by example. I plan to follow in her footsteps. It would be an immense honor to do so through the National Honor Society.

NHS Essay Example, Dissected

This National Honor Society essay succeeds for many reasons. First, the student structures her essay around the theme of language and literacy. (Perhaps she also captains her softball team and volunteers for the Red Cross. But the student has correctly judged that these elements would distract from her story.) Rather than list her achievements and service, the student builds every element into a journey. It has a beginning, a middle, and an end. It shows how the student evolved to be someone who wants to make a difference. The ending completes the story by circling back to the beginning, through the idea of “noblesse oblige.” The student also manages to state clearly her thesis: she deserves acceptance into the National Honor Society.

This student’s story also centers around an emotional current, that of the student’s grandmother. The reader wants to invest in the story more because of this emotional aspect. Literacy is clearly not a random activity, but a meaningful one for the student. Including a role model allows the student to avoid bragging by transferring her praise to her grandmother.

Finally, the tone of the essay is formal (“It would be an immense honor”). Meanwhile, the unique voice of the student comes through (“We both went to shovel up the last slice of pie”). She accurately cites the names of the organizations she’s involved with and uses specificity (such as her grandmother’s kitchen cabinets) to draw the reader in.

Finished Your National Honor Society Essay?

Hopefully, you found our NHS essay example to be helpful. Now, feel free to check out our list of academic contests for more ways to boost your academic profile.

High School Success

Kaylen Baker

With a BA in Literary Studies from Middlebury College, an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University, and a Master’s in Translation from Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, Kaylen has been working with students on their writing for over five years. Previously, Kaylen taught a fiction course for high school students as part of Columbia Artists/Teachers, and served as an English Language Assistant for the French National Department of Education. Kaylen is an experienced writer/translator whose work has been featured in Los Angeles Review, Hybrid, San Francisco Bay Guardian, France Today, and Honolulu Weekly, among others.

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — National Honor Society — The Four Pillars Of NHS

The Four Pillars of Nhs

Categories: National Honor Society Scholarship

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Published: Mar 5, 2024

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How to Write National Honor Society Essay + Example

July 14, 2024

Dr. Marvin L. Smith

Writing a National Honor Society (NHS) essay can be pivotal in a student’s academic journey. This article provides essential guidance on crafting a standout NHS essay, offering tips, strategies, and an example to help you effectively communicate your achievements and alignment with NHS values.

Whether you’re applying for the first time or refining your approach, these insights will help you create a compelling essay that showcases your scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

Table of Contents

What is the National Honor Society (NHS)

The National Honor Society (NHS) is a prestigious organization in the United States that recognizes outstanding high school students.

Here’s an overview of the NHS:

1. Purpose and mission:

The NHS aims to recognize and encourage academic achievement while developing other essential skills for success, including leadership, service, and character.

2. Membership criteria:

Students are selected based on four main criteria:

Scholarship: Typically, a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher is required
Leadership: Demonstrated through school and community activities
Service: Involvement in volunteer work and community service
Character: Exhibiting qualities like integrity, respect, and ethical behavior

3. Structure:

Founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals
Chapters exist in all 50 states, US territories, and several countries
Each school with an NHS chapter has a faculty council that selects members

4. Benefits for students:

Recognition of academic excellence
Leadership development opportunities
Access to exclusive scholarships
Networking with like-minded peers
Enhancement of college applications and resumes

5. Activities and responsibilities:

Members are expected to:

Maintain their academic standing
Participate in chapter service projects
Contribute to their school and community through individual service projects
Attend chapter meetings and events

6. Application process:

While it varies by school, typically:

Eligible students are invited to apply or can request an application
Applicants submit essays, recommendation letters , and evidence of their achievements
The faculty council reviews applications and selects new members

Components of NHS essay

The core components of NHS essays are:

Introduction

The National Honor Society (NHS) represents the pinnacle of academic achievement, leadership, service, and character in high school students. As you write your NHS essay, remember that this is your opportunity to showcase how you embody these four pillars. Your essay should be a compelling narrative that weaves your experiences, achievements, and personal growth, demonstrating why you are an ideal candidate for NHS membership.

Scholarship

In the scholarship section of your essay, focus on your academic journey and intellectual curiosity. Discuss your GPA, the challenging courses you’ve tackled, and how they’ve shaped your academic interests. For example, you might write:

“My passion for environmental science was ignited in my AP Biology class, where I led a group project on local ecosystem conservation. This experience not only boosted my GPA to 3.9 but also inspired me to start an after-school ecology club.”

Highlight any academic awards, research projects, or unique learning experiences that set you apart. Remember to explain how these achievements reflect your commitment to learning and academic excellence.

Leadership

Leadership in the context of NHS goes beyond holding official titles. In this section, describe situations where you’ve taken initiative, inspired others, or positively impacted. Consider sharing a story like this:

“As captain of the debate team, I noticed our younger members struggling with public speaking anxiety. I organized weekly workshops focusing on confidence-building exercises, which not only improved our team’s performance but also helped several members overcome their fear of public speaking.”

Emphasize how your leadership experiences have helped you grow and benefited your school or community.

The service component of your NHS essay should demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in your community. Please provide specific examples of your volunteer work and explain its impact. For instance:

“For the past two years, I’ve volunteered at our local animal shelter every weekend. Beyond caring for the animals, I initiated a social media campaign that increased adoption rates by 30% and organized a community fundraiser that raised $5,000 for shelter improvements.”

Reflect on how these experiences have shaped your understanding of community service and your plans for future involvement.

In the character section, illustrate your integrity, ethics, and respect for others through concrete examples. You might share a story like:

“When I discovered a classmate was being cyberbullied, I chose to stand up for them, even though it meant confronting popular students. I worked with our school counselor to create an anti-bullying campaign, which has since been adopted by our entire school district.”

Explain how your actions reflect your values and how these align with the principles of NHS.

In your conclusion , tie together the four pillars of NHS, emphasizing how they’ve shaped you as a person and a student. Look to the future, explaining how NHS membership will help you further develop these qualities and contribute to your school and community. Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to be part of NHS and the specific ways you hope to contribute to the organization.

Remember, throughout your essay, use specific, vivid examples to bring your experiences to life. Be authentic in your writing, letting your genuine passion and commitment shine through. A well-crafted NHS essay not only increases your chances of selection but also serves as a valuable reflection on your high school journey and future aspirations.

Ready to transform your writing experience?

Tips for crafting a good NHS essay

Here are the tips for crafting a good NHS essay presented as list points:

Take time to consider your high school experiences
Identify critical achievements, challenges overcome, and character-defining moments
Familiarize yourself with scholarship, leadership, service, and character
Ensure you have examples for each pillar
Organize your thoughts with a detailed structure
Include a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each pillar, and a conclusion
Provide concrete instances of your experiences and achievements
Avoid general statements; focus on detailed anecdotes
Use descriptive language to bring your experiences to life
Help readers visualize your achievements and personal growth
Emphasize how experiences have contributed to your development
Discuss lessons learned and skills acquired
Write in your voice
Be genuine about your experiences and motivations
Thoroughly respond to any specific questions or prompts provided
Don’t overlook any part of the assignment
Include details that showcase your distinctive qualities
Highlight unusual hobbies or significant challenges you’ve overcome
Explain how your actions align with NHS’s mission
Describe how you plan to contribute to NHS if selected
Review for grammar, spelling, clarity, and flow
Consider asking others to provide feedback
Follow word count limits and formatting requirements
Demonstrate respect for the application process
End with a forward-looking statement
Discuss how NHS membership aligns with your future goals

National Honor Society essay example

Here’s an example of a National Honor Society essay that incorporates the key elements we’ve discussed:

Title: Embracing the Four Pillars: My Journey to NHS

Reflecting on my high school journey, I’m struck by how the four pillars of the National Honor Society – scholarship, leadership, service, and character – have shaped my growth and aspirations. Each experience, challenge, and achievement has contributed to my development as a student, leader, and community member, preparing me for the honor of NHS membership.

Scholarship has always been at the core of my academic pursuits. Maintaining a 3.9 GPA while taking a rigorous course load of AP and honors classes has required dedication and a genuine love for learning. My passion for environmental science ignited in AP Biology, which led me to initiate an independent research project on local water quality. This project deepened my understanding of scientific methodology and sparked a school-wide conversation about environmental conservation.

To me, leadership means inspiring and empowering others. As captain of the debate team, I noticed our younger members struggling with public speaking anxiety. I organized weekly workshops focusing on confidence-building exercises, which improved our team’s performance and helped several members overcome their fear of public speaking. One of my proudest moments was when Sarah, a formerly shy freshman, won her first debate competition after months of dedicated practice.

My commitment to service stems from a deep-seated belief in giving back to my community. I’ve volunteered at our local animal shelter every weekend for the past two years. Beyond caring for the animals, I initiated a social media campaign that increased adoption rates by 30% and organized a community fundraiser that raised $5,000 for shelter improvements. This experience taught me the power of grassroots efforts in creating tangible change.

Character is revealed in the choices we make when faced with challenges. When I discovered a classmate was being cyberbullied, I chose to stand up for them, even though it meant confronting famous students. Working with our school counselor, I helped create an anti-bullying campaign that our school district has since adopted. This experience reinforced my commitment to integrity and advocating for others.

Looking ahead, I see NHS membership as an opportunity to develop these qualities further and significantly impact my school and community. I’m excited about collaborating with like-minded peers on service projects and academic initiatives. I plan to contribute my passion for environmental advocacy, my experience in public speaking, and my dedication to community service to enhance NHS activities.

In conclusion, the NHS pillars have been guiding my high school journey, shaping me into a well-rounded individual committed to academic excellence and community service. I am eager to join a community that values these principles and to continue growing as a scholar, leader, and citizen. The opportunity to be part of NHS would be an honor and a platform to further my commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Here’s another sample essay for National Honor Society :

Final thoughts

Crafting a compelling National Honor Society essay is an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and achievements. You can create a powerful narrative by reflecting on your experiences, aligning them with NHS values, and presenting them authentically.

Remember, your essay should highlight your accomplishments and demonstrate your potential for future growth and contribution. With careful preparation and thoughtful writing, your NHS essay can effectively convey your readiness for this prestigious honor.