Frequently Asked Questions

 The Dinwiddie Chapter of the National Honor Society at Dinwiddie High School inducts new members in the first semester of each school year. Prior to induction, prospective members are required to submit a membership application and teacher recommendations to the faculty sponsors of the NHS chapter. Each application is reviewed, the teacher recommendation is considered, and a decision on membership is made by a committee of faculty members called the Faculty Council. Those students whose membership is accepted to the Chapter are installed at an induction ceremony in November of the school year.

Here are some frequently asked questions that may help you understand what is required of prospective members and the application process.

  1. Who is eligible for membership in NHS?

Any Dinwiddie student in his/her junior or senior year is eligible for membership in NHS provided he/she first meets the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements (3.7). Other criteria for membership include: teacher recommendations, at least one leadership position, diversified participation in extracurricular and community activities, and a commitment to community service (a minimum of 25 hours). Senior students who have previously applied but were not accepted for membership in NHS during their junior year are highly encouraged to submit a new application at the start of their senior year.

  1. What are the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements for membership in NHS?

Prospective members must have a minimum GPA of 3.7. Current members must maintain the required GPA to retain membership in NHS. Current members whose GPA falls below the requirement are put on probation for one semester, ending with a review of the student’s GPA after the probationary period. Members on probation who do not raise their GPA above the requirement after the probationary period are subject to faculty review and possible revocation of the student’s membership in NHS.

  1. When do I apply for membership in NHS?

Candidacy forms are distributed and collected in the fall. A specific and final deadline date for applying is listed on the application. This deadline will NOT be extended; therefore, all applications must be turned in on or before this deadline date, or the application will not be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!! In addition, students who apply for membership in NHS are not automatically invited to join NHS. The application is used by the Faculty Council as one of the criteria for membership, along with the student’s GPA, disciplinary record, and teacher recommendations.

  1. When will I know if I’ve been accepted for membership in NHS?

Invitations to join the National Honor Society will be made during a traditional tapping ceremony approximately one week prior to the induction ceremony. Those students who are not offered membership will receive a letter explaining the reason(s) for the applicant not being extended an invitation for membership into NHS.

  1. Besides scholarship, what are the other criteria for membership in NHS?

The National Honor Society requires members to demonstrate leadership in and outside of school, perform service to their school and community, possess a character of high morals and ethics, and demonstrates citizenship by their membership in school and community organizations. The Dinwiddie Chapter requires prospective members to list and describe their extracurricular activities, their leadership positions in these activities, their involvement in school and community activities, and the types and number of service hours (25) performed in each of their high school years.

  1. What are extracurricular activities?

Extracurricular activities include membership in school or community sports teams, band, chorus, orchestra, clubs, internships, part-time jobs, etc.

  1. What is considered a leadership position?

A leadership position is any position in which the student had to manage, motivate, and oversee other people. These leadership positions can be elected or appointed positions in student government, clubs, or community organizations. Leadership positions can be associated with a particular service or community project. Work-related leadership positions (such as store manager, assistant manager, team leader, etc) are also acceptable. Applicants must have at least 1 leadership position since the beginning of their freshman year.

  1. What part does character play in the application process?

The Dinwiddie Chapter of NHS holds in high esteem the character of its members. Therefore, students who have violated the Dinwiddie Honor Code or have been subject to disciplinary measures by Dinwiddie High School will most likely NOT be accepted for membership in NHS.

  1. What are community activities?

Membership in NHS requires active participation in the community outside of school. Community organizations include: Boy and Girl Scouts, Neighborhood Watch, community sports leagues (as a volunteer and not as a participant), service organizations like the 100 Milers or Ruriteen Club, professional groups like 4-H, Habitat for Humanity, Adopt-a-Highway or similar environmental groups or activities, local chapters of national charity organizations. Additionally, church events that are open to the community at large such as Vacation Bible School and any community outreach programs.

  1. What are service hours?

Service hours are the amount of time a student is involved in activities for which he or she receives no compensation and positively impacts the community. The student participates in these activities as a volunteer and with a “positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit.” Compensation does not only mean a monetary reward. In addition, service hours performed so a student may be rewarded with a trip, prize, or other non-monetary reward may not be included in the student’s application to NHS.

  1. How many service hours do I need for membership in NHS?

For prospective members to NHS, there is a minimum of 25 service hours needed for admission to NHS since the beginning of their freshman year. However, in reviewing the application of prospective members, the Faculty Council takes into consideration some factors concerning service hours. First, the Faculty Council looks at the overall commitment to service on the part of the student. In doing so, the Council considers whether or not the student participates in a number of different service projects and activities. Second, the Faculty Council considers if the student demonstrates a consistent commitment to community service. In doing so, the Council looks at frequency of the service activity (i.e. once a week, once a month, or once a year). Students who have participated in a number of service projects on a consistent basis throughout their high school career are looked upon more favorably than those students who have never participated in service activities or who do so on an infrequent basis. If accepted for membership in NHS, a student is required to perform 25 community service hours each year in order to retain membership in NHS. Ten of the required service hours must be completed at official NHS sponsored service opportunities each year.

  1. What should I include on my application?

In short: EVERYTHING! Leaving something out because there is not enough room on the application, you are too lazy, you are rushing through the application, you forgot, or you did not feel the information is significant might hurt your chances for acceptance into NHS. Typically, the Faculty Council is looking for a well-rounded student focused on academic success and who has a deep commitment in service to the community. Leaving important areas on the application blank will only diminish the chances of admission. While omitting relevant information on your application that would help the Faculty Council consider you for admission to NHS is not wise, fabricating or making up information on your application is much worse.

  1. Does it cost anything to be a member of NHS?

 Dues are $10 (regardless of what grade you are in). By paying dues and remaining a member in good standing, you will receive a NHS member pin and certificate. You will also wear a National Honor Society cord/stole at graduation and be listed in the graduation program as a member of NHS.

FYI: Should you have any questions please do hesitate to contact the Co-sponsors of the organization.