The National Honor Society (NHS), for some, might seem like a mysterious group for top students; for others, it is a main goal during high school; and for others, just another “club” to impress colleges. However, insights from inside the organization reveal a very different perspective: the truth. NHS is not simply something you join—it is something you earn.

Many students assume it functions like a traditional school club, with regular meetings and fixed responsibilities. However, Ms. Emily Butterworth, NHS teacher sponsor, clarifies this misconception:

“So, NHS is a society—it’s the National Honour Society—and basically the idea is that, once you’re in, if you stay until you graduate, you’re kind of like a member for life. It’s really more like an award than a club… but yes, what I would say is it’s a society more than it’s a club.”

Ms. Butterworth adds that students often misunderstand NHS, confusing it for a club rather than recognizing it as a distinction earned by certain students.

The idea behind NHS is a group of individuals who demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and overall excellence—qualities that are part of who they are. However, admission officers still rely on specific criteria when evaluating candidates.

Sofia Montes, a current NHS member, describes the steps she took to be considered:

“Well, the first thing I did was keep the goal in mind from the beginning and try to maintain a high GPA throughout high school. To be able to get in, I started taking leadership positions from ninth grade onwards, which is a very important part of NHS, and also doing community service hours.”

Sofia’s experience highlights that students must be well-rounded and not solely focused on academics. Gabriel Ospina, another NHS member, agrees and emphasizes that leadership is the most important factor in standing out among applicants. He also notes the importance of social service and volunteering, along with what he describes as “academic excellence.”

Another common debate among students is whether to take challenging courses, such as AP classes, and risk a lower GPA, or choose easier courses to maintain higher grades. Ms. Butterworth offers her perspective:

“That’s a tough one. I would always say take the AP classes that challenge you. One, you’re more likely to have strong teaching. Two, you’ll be surrounded by more driven peers. However, if the goal is strictly getting into NHS, there’s an argument to be made for taking easier classes to boost GPA.”

A final question many students ask is whether NHS is worth it. Some believe it is a waste of time or an unattainable goal, while others question its impact on their future.

Ms. Butterworth acknowledges that NHS may carry different weight depending on where a student plans to study—for example, it may be more recognized in the United States than in countries like Australia. She also emphasizes that NHS is not for everyone, and that not being part of it is not a failure.

Gabriel Ospina, however, offers a different perspective:

“It’s always worth it to enter NHS. Just hearing the name sounds impressive. It shows you have excelled above others. And for those who say it’s impossible—it’s not true. I entered, and you just have to put in the effort.”

His response both recognizes opposing viewpoints and challenges them, suggesting that success is achievable through dedication.

Similarly, Sofia Montes pushes back against the idea that NHS is a waste of time:

“I completely disagree with that idea. The time NHS takes actually helps you grow as a person. And the application process, which people say is impossible, takes only an hour or two at most. That’s a small investment for the years you can be part of NHS.”

Ultimately, becoming part of the National Honor Society is not about seeking a title; rather, it is about becoming the kind of student who earns that title. As reflected in the voices throughout this article, NHS is neither an unattainable goal nor simply a tool for college applications.

Instead, it represents a commitment to becoming a well-rounded student—one who excels academically, demonstrates leadership, and continues to grow. While debate around NHS may persist, what remains clear is that the process itself helps shape more disciplined, self-aware individuals.

Whether or not students ultimately become members, the journey toward NHS prepares them for life beyond high school.