The National Honor Society (NHS) is one of the nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1921.

The National Honor Society was officially established in 1921 by the NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals). Up until this point, no nationwide organization had been founded. Due to the guidance of Dr. Edward Rynearson, the organization grew from the original Alpha Chapter at Fifth Avenue School to over 1,000 chapters by 1930, only 9 years after its establishment. With a constitution, an emblem, a motto, and a group of devoted coordinators, the new NHS organizations quickly developed into one of the country's leading educational groups.

Four main purposes have guided chapters of NHS from the beginning: "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."

Contact Benet faculty moderator: Catherine Bruining

Visit the Benet Academy NHS website

Source: "About Us." NHS & NJHS. National Association of Secondary School Principals, n.d. Web. 4 Oct. 2009.