Requirements for Membership in the Kent Island Chapter of the National Honor Society

In order to be accepted as a member of our chapter, a student must demonstrate that he/she exemplifies the four Pillars of the National Honor Society (Character, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service) by meeting the following requirements:

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher.
• Active membership in at least 3 activities – one of which must be a school sponsored activity that is not part of a course requirement.
• Demonstrable skills of a leader
• Active participation in service activities outside of Maryland State Graduation Requirements
• A “clean” school disciplinary record
• Five recommendations by KIHS faculty members who have taught the student and who are familiar with his/her classroom behavior, performance, leadership, initiative, and motivation.

In addition, once an inducted NHS member, you are required to:

• Attend monthly meetings after school from 2:40-3:30pm.
• Complete two NHS group organized service activities each year
• Participate in peer tutoring program each semester
• Participate in school wide paper recycling program annually
• Participate in one of four leadership subcommittees
• Continue to demonstrate the 4 pillars of the National Honor Society
• Maintain scholastic achievement of 3.50 cumulative GPA
• Pay annual dues
• Uphold all school and county wide policies including sportsmanship

NHS Amendments 2025

Amendment I – Appeal Rights of Sophomore Applicants

Section 1. Sophomore students who are not selected for membership into the National Honor Society shall not have the right to appeal the decision of the Faculty Council unless they are explicitly granted such permission in writing by the Faculty Council.

1. If an applicant is deemed able to appeal, this will be outlined and explained in the applicant’s non-acceptance letter that may be sent via postal mail or email, depending on the timeline for induction.

Section 2. Sophomore applicants may reapply during the next eligible application cycle in their junior year. At that time, they may submit an appeal if they are again denied membership, provided the appeal process aligns with the guidelines and timelines established by the Faculty Council. 

(Amendment added Fall 2025)

Amendment II – Disciplinary Code and Probation Policy

Section 1. Any current member of the National Honor Society found guilty of a school-related or NHS-related infraction by the school administration or Faculty Council shall be subject to the following disciplinary actions:

1. The member shall be placed on probationary status for a period of one full academic semester.
2. During the probationary period, the member’s academic performance shall be monitored through regular grade checks, and feedback shall be solicited from current teachers to evaluate conduct and adherence to academic and behavioral expectations.
   1. Grade checks and behavioral report feedback will be solicited by the club adviser(s)
3. The member shall complete a restorative task directly aligned with the nature of the infraction. For example, in cases involving academic dishonesty, the member may be required to collaborate with the relevant teacher to help identify methods to prevent or detect academic misconduct.
4. The member shall be considered on final notice. Any additional infraction—academic, behavioral, or ethical—may result in immediate removal from the National Honor Society, pending review and final determination by the Faculty Council. 

(Amendment added Fall 2025)