The York High School chapter of the National Honor Society recognizes students for excellence in academic scholarship, leadership, character, and service.

• Students with a cumulative unweighted average of 93% or better are academically eligible to apply for NHS membership and will receive an email inviting them to apply for membership.

• After receiving this notification letter, students must see Mr. Hanlon for a copy of the NHS Application. The NHS Application requires students to provide examples of their leadership and service to the school and community of York. Students are also required to write a 250-word essay in response to the following prompt: “How have service and leadership opportunities played an important role in your life?”

• Students must also submit a letter of recommendation from an adult not affiliated with York High School.

• All teachers at York High School are given a rating sheet with every applicant's name listed in alphabetical order. Teachers then provide feedback on an applicant’s scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Ratings are numerical - 4 is the highest and 1 is the lowest. Teachers’ rating sheets are tallied, and applicants are given an average score in each category. Teacher participation is voluntary, therefore, applicants should remind teachers that their input in this process is highly valued.

• A committee consisting of 5 teachers, and the NHS advisor meet to select new members. A student’s application and teacher ratings are used to determine the admission of new members. The selection committee follows nationally set guidelines in selecting the candidates that best exemplify the qualities of scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Neither current members of the NHS, nor the NHS advisor has a vote in the selection of new members.

• An email will be sent notifying the applicant of the decision of the NHS selection committee.

• If you wish to appeal the decision of the Faculty Council you must meet with them in person and furnish additional information you feel necessary to reverse the standing decision.

• To set up a meeting you must make the request in writing to Mr. Hanlon.

The NHS Application requires eligible students to describe, in detail, examples of leadership roles they have held in the high school and/or community. Applicants must also provide specific examples of service experiences they have undertaken in the school and/or community. All applicants must then complete a 250-word essay in which they reflect on the importance of service and leadership in their own growth and development.