National Junior Honor Society

More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since it’s beginning in 1929.

Characteristics of an Exemplary NJHS Candidate:

Scholarship

Scholarship means a commitment to learning. A student willing to spend hours in reading and studying, knowing the lasting benefits of a cultivated mind. Knowledge is one great element in life, which leads to the highest success, and it can be acquired in only one way... through diligence and effort. Candidates have the charge to continually expand their world through the opportunities inherent in scholarship.
Leadership

Leadership should exert a wholesome influence on the school. In taking the initiative in class and school activities, the real leader strives to train and aid others to attain the same objective. The price of leadership is sacrifice... the willingness to yield one's personal interests for the interest of others. A leader has self-confidence and will go forward when others hesitate.
Service

Service can be described in various ways. In the routine of a day's work, many opportunities arise to help others. Willingness to work for the benefit of those in need without monetary compensation or without recognition is the quality we seek in our membership. We are committed to the idea of volunteering our time and abilities to the creation of a better tomorrow.
Character

Character is achieved and not received. It is the product of constant action, daily striving to make the right choices. By demonstrating high qualities such as reliability, honesty, sincerity, and respect for others.
Citizenship

Citizenship is vital to the strength of our school. It requires effort and commitment. It is the willingness of each student to participate responsibly in classes, clubs, teams, and activities that occur at Langston Hughes Middle School.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is National Junior Honor Society?

Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS (High School) and NJHS (Middle School). NHS and NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories, and Canada. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but also challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

(Taken from www.nhs.us. 8/22/20)

Who is eligible for NJHS?

Current eight grade students who’s final grade as a seventh grader was a cumulative GPA 3.75 on a 4-point scale will receive an invitation and application. It should be completed before the due date communicated by the NJHS Coordinator: TBD. 

Who chooses inductees into the NJHS?

After students fill out the application and recommendation signatures from their current eighth grade teachers all of our Faculty Council will review their qualifications. The Faculty Council is an anonymous group of faculty LHMS members who make final decisions about who will be invited for induction into the NJHS. The Faculty Council also serves as the group who determines if a student should be dismissed because of a failure to meet expectations in one of the five areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship.

If I’m a 7th grader, what can I do to become a better candidate for NJHS in 8th grade?

One of the best things you can do as a 6th grader is to have really strong grades. You should work hard every day in school because as an 8th grade inductee, you will qualify in the area of scholarship based on your grades in 7th grade! Also, becoming involved in school clubs and activities, following all school rules and being a great role model for other students. In addition, outside of school you can begin to track community service hours in order to strengthen your application responses.

What happens if a student maintains a 3.75 GPA and completes the 30 service hours?

NJHS members who maintain the minimum GPA of 3.75 and complete a minimum of 30 service hours before April 2021 will be awarded their NJHS pin at a Pinning Ceremony. Those members failing to meet the GPA or service hour requirement will not be invited to participate in the Pinning Ceremony and will not receive their NJHS pin.

What do you do in NJHS?

The goal of NJHS is to build future leaders now and beyond. Activities are up the NJHS members. When the Coordinator holds monthly meetings students will talk discuss their progress regarding completion of hours. After nine weeks of service, students will write a reflective essay on their experience.

NJHS By-Laws

NJHS Coordinators