Scarsdale International School has its own chapter of National Honor Society.

The National Honor Society (NHS) is a premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who demonstrate 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.

Today, it is estimated that more than one million students annually participate in activities of NHS and its middle level counterpart, the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS).

NHS chapters are found in all 50 states of America, 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 through involvement in school activities and community service. Both NHS and NJHS were founded by and are programs of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

History of the Organization

In 1921, NASSP officially established the National Honor Society. Though many local and regional honor societies existed prior to 1921, no nationwide organization had been founded. Equipped with a constitution, an emblem and motto, and a group of dedicated principals as coordinators, the new NHS organization quickly developed into one of the country’s leading educational groups.

Four main purposes outlined in the NHS constitution have guided chapters 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.” These purposes also translate into the criteria used for membership selection in each local chapter. In 1929, NASSP turned its attention to younger students and established the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). With its own constitution and handbook, NJHS has established criteria that parallel the emphases found in NHS with one added purpose—to encourage citizenship.

Both NHS and NJHS are programs of NASSP, which appoints a National Council—the controlling body of NHS. In addition, National Council members serve as the selection committee for the prestigious NHS scholarship, which has been administered annually in schools with NHS chapters since 1946.