National Honor Society

Official page of The National Honor Society, NJHS, & NEHS. Founded & managed by the National Principals Association. Territories, and Canada.

The National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are the nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school and middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NHS and NJHS serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character (and Citizenship for NJHS). These charact

eristics have been associated with membership in the organization since their beginnings in 1921 and 1929. Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS and NJHS. NHS and NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service. 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. Under the leadership of Dr. Edward Rynearson, principal of the Fifth Avenue High School, Pittsburgh, Pa., the organization grew from the original Alpha Chapter at the Fifth Avenue School to more than 1,000 chapters by 1930. 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 have guided chapters of NHS 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." (from the NHS Constitution) These purposes also translate into the criteria used for membership selection in each local chapter. In 1929, the NASSP turned its attention to middle level schools and expanded the scope of its concern for recognizing outstanding students by establishing the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). With its own constitution and handbook, NJHS has established criteria that parallel the emphases found in the NHS with an added purpose to encourage citizenship. (Additional information on establishing a chapter of the NJHS is available upon request from the NASSP Department of Student Activities.) Both the NHS and NJHS are sponsored and supervised by NASSP which appoints a National Council - the controlling body of NHS. In addition, National Council members also serve as the selection committee for the prestigious NHS Scholarship which has been administered annually in schools with NHS chapters since 1946. The day-to-day administration of NHS national concerns is handled by the NASSP Department of Student Activities, headquartered in Reston, VA.

Photos from National Honor Society's post

07/31/2026

Talk about committing to the National Honor Society and National Student Council legacy. ✨

This photo may be a little retro, but the story behind it is timeless.

Meet Stacy Maruskin and Rachel Minch, now the Director of Vendor & Project Management and Senior Project Manager at The National Principals Association (NPA). Long before they became colleagues, they were classmates, NHS and NASC members growing up together.

"We have been fortunate to share a lifelong friendship that has spanned countless milestones. From kindergarten through our years in Student Council and National Honor Society, we grew up side by side. Our elementary principal even placed us in separate third-grade classrooms, fearing we may not make friends with anyone else! Having the opportunity to work together years later feels like coming full circle—like going back in time to work on a group project!" — Stacy & Rachel

Their journey is a reminder that the friendships and leadership experiences you build today can shape your future in ways you never expect.
Who knows? Years from now, you might look back on your NHS and NASC memories, stay connected to those friendships, and even end up working together. 🤞

Tag a friend you've shared your leadership journey with!

07/21/2026

Throwing it back to July 4th in Washington, D.C., with 2025 NHS Scholarship National Finalist Ella Reinhart!

For Ella, National Honor Society is more than an honor—\it’s a mindset that inspires her to lead, serve, advocate, and embrace opportunities beyond the classroom.

From presenting at the Texas State Capitol to contributing to a satellite mission that carried her name into space, Ella continues to make an impact through leadership and service. 🚀

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July from NHS, NASC, and the National Principals Association. 🎆

From student leaders to school leaders, we are united by a shared commitment to service, growth, and creating brighter futures across PreK–12 education.

Wishing our students, educators, principals, assistant principals, advisers, and families a safe and joyful holiday.

07/02/2026

🎓 Chapter Spotlight 🎓

Congratulations to the graduating members of the Marian Baker School National Honor Society!

This year’s seniors have demonstrated outstanding commitment to scholarship, service, leadership, and character, helping to strengthen their school community in meaningful ways. We are especially proud of the chapter officers and those recognized as valedictorians for their exceptional achievements.

We celebrate the Class of 2026 and look forward to all they will accomplish in the future. 💙✨

06/16/2026

Save the Date!📍
The LEAD Conference is coming back to Washington, DC, Feb 26–28, 2027.

NHS and NASC students, and advisers from across the country are invited to come together for two days of leadership, learning, and connection. Through hands-on sessions, powerful conversations, and shared ideas, LEAD is where student leaders grow their voice—and turn inspiration into action.

Stay tuned. Your next leadership experience starts here.

🔗 https://bit.ly/43XW7lP

05/29/2026

Today is the LAST DAY to apply for NHS Chapters of Distinction recognition! 🎉

Celebrate the impact your chapter made this year through service, leadership, and student voice. Chapters of Distinction recognizes NHS chapters demonstrating excellence and meaningful student-led impact nationwide.

Don’t miss your chance to showcase your chapter’s achievements and be recognized on a national level. Applications close tonight, May 29,11:59 pm ET.

Apply now: https://hubs.la/Q04jnFkY0)

05/20/2026

Ready to celebrate the big moments? 🎓
Explore our official store catalog for all your graduation essentials in one place: https://hubs.la/Q04hbwMl0

From stoles and cords to tassels and exclusive National Honor Society collectibles, we’ve got everything you need to celebrate this graduation season in style.

Get your order in today!

05/15/2026

Still on the road with us? 🚗

The On Our Minds podcast continues to spotlight stories from students across the country—sharing what makes their hometowns unique, from everyday moments to big community traditions.

Each episode is a new stop, a new perspective, and a new voice worth hearing. From Student Reporting Labs

🎧 Catch up or keep listening: https://hubs.la/Q04fKFry0

05/08/2026

Get in, we’re going road tripping 🚗
On this season of the On Our Minds podcast, students from across the U.S. take us on an audio tour of the wackiness, wisdom, and whimsy found in their hometowns.

From Portland to Puerto Rico, teens are sharing the places and faces that make their communities unique. 🌎

For the United States’ 250th anniversary, hear what life is really like growing up in every corner of the country. From Student Reporting Labs

🎧 Start listening: https://bit.ly/4esJ5mH

04/20/2026

Today marks Day 1 of National Student Leadership Week (NSLW)! 🎉

Across the country, schools are celebrating student leaders who shape school culture, strengthen communities, and lead with purpose. NSLW is a nationwide celebration dedicated to recognizing the vital role student leaders play in our schools.

We’re kicking things off by highlighting how Liberty County High School is bringing leadership to life through a week of meaningful, student-led activities—from Dress for Success Day to school spirit celebrations.

👉 Get inspired:
https://hubs.la/Q04cNCNh0

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Location

Reston

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Telephone

+17038600200

Website

http://www.nationalhonorsociety.org/

Address

1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA
20191

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm