Selection Process

SELECTION OF MEMBERS
Selection to NHS is a privilege bestowed upon students by the Faculty of the school, and not considered a right inherent to any student. Membership is granted to only to those students selected by the Faculty Council on the condition of their having met the standards for selection.

NHS is more than an honor roll. Each member must demonstrate not only good grades, but also strength in each of the remaining three criteria (leadership, service, and character). This is not an election, nor is membership automatically conveyed simply because a student has achieved a specified level of academic performance. This selection process shall remain public information.

• Academic Eligibility. All Park High School students’ academic records shall be reviewed upon the completion of their sophomore year. Any student with a 3.500 or higher cumulative grade point average (on a 4.000 scale) will be considered a NHS candidate at the start of their junior year. Any student, including transfer students, not deemed NHS candidates at the start of their junior year will automatically be included in the academic record review process the following year (see enrollment condition listed below). The GPA standard must be applied fairly and consistently to all candidates including any candidates with disabilities.

• Candidate notification and forms. Students who are eligible scholastically will be notified and informed that for further consideration for selection to the PHS chapter, they are to complete the Candidate Form. This form outlines the candidate’s accomplishments in the areas of Service and Leadership. Candidates must adhere to set guidelines and time schedules for submitting forms. Both student and parent/guardian must sign the Candidate Form when submitting them, indicating that the content is both complete and accurate.

• Review, deliberate, and vote. The Candidate Form shall be reviewed by the Faculty Council, along with any other verifiable information about the candidates relevant to their candidacy, including whether or not candidates are officially noted as having a disability that could affect their consideration. The leadership, service, and character of all candidates shall be reviewed carefully. Faculty Council members will deliberate in order to guarantee that their decisions are based on accurate and complete understandings of all information presented for review. With the vote on each candidate, those candidates receiving a majority vote of the Faculty Council shall be invited to be inducted into the PHS chapter. All candidates identified and listed as “not selected” shall also be notified.

• Report results to the principal. Prior to notification of any candidates, the adviser must report to the principal the results of the Faculty Council’s deliberations for approval. Lists of selected and nonselected students as well as reasons for nonselection will be incorporated into this report. This reporting will ensure the support of the administration prior to any student notification.
  
  
• Notification. The PHS chapter will initiate formal notification of all selected candidates and their parent/guardian to inform them in writing about selection and timing of the induction ceremony. Nonselected students will also be notified in writing in a method that is timely and considerate of the student’s well-being.
  
  
• Verification and induction. To finalize the plans for the induction ceremony, acceptance of the invitation for membership as well as attendance at the induction ceremony will be verified.

Prerequisite Conditions for Selection
​

• Enrollment. Only those students who have attended the school for the equivalent of one semester may be considered for membership. This period is necessary for students to establish themselves academically and involve themselves in various service and leadership activities, and for the faculty to get to know them and the quality of their character. Even after a semester, however, it may be necessary to contact a transfer student’s former school for additional information.
  
  
• Grade level. Membership is open to qualified juniors and seniors.
  
  
• Common GPA standard. The minimum 3.500 cumulative GPA (on a 4.000 scale) requirement is the same for all candidates in both the junior and senior class. 3.500 is the absolute minimum for the GPA standard; rounded cumulative  grade point averages will not be considered.