Inaugural National Honor Society Chapter Inducts 45 Students

On October 12, 2009, we proudly inducted 45 sophomores, juniors, and seniors into the Inaugural NCJHS Chapter of National Honor Society (NHS).  NHS is an organization of over 15,000 chapters at high schools across America. Membership in National Honor Society is conferred upon students who excel in scholarship, leadership, character, and service.  At New Community Jewish High School, our chapter will take on a service project of substance that will involve all of its members.

Like so many exciting things that happen on our campus, the inspiration and impetus for a chapter of National Honor Society came from one of our own students.   He and 5 other students approached school administrators and asked if there could be some mechanism to recognize students who not only excel in academics, but also demonstrate outstanding character, leadership and service, the essential ingredients for what is known in this community as an “A+ human being.”  Together with Dr. Howard Mendelson, Math Chair and NHS Faculty Advisor, the six 11th and 12th graders agreed to help to lay the groundwork for our chapter which included the formulation of admission criteria as well as a comprehensive set of chapter bylaws.  These students next presented their recommendations to the school’s B-ring, a high level working committee of NCJHS administrators and department chairs.  B-ring approved all aspects of the chapter.  Five faculty members serve as a Faculty Council and these individuals reviewed the scholarship, leadership, service, and character merits of each of the initial candidates.   Students have selected their first slate of officers for the 2009-10 school year and are making plans for their community service project which is above and beyond their individual commitments.

It is a tremendous honor to be selected as a member of National Honor Society.  But membership in NHS is not just glory.  Student members are expected to be role models for the entire student body. 

We  congratulate our new inductees and their families on this auspicious occasion.