National Honor Society

Official page of The National Honor Society, NJHS, & NEHS. Founded & managed by NASSP. 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.

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

04/14/2026

🎯 NSLW BINGO GIVEAWAY

As part of National Student Leadership Week ( ), chapters and councils have the opportunity to win store credit through our NSLW BINGO challenge.

How to participate:
✔️ Complete your NSLW BINGO card
✔️ Share it on your Instagram Story
✔️ Tag or and your chapter/council

➡️ 20 winning chapters/councils will each receive $100 in store credit to support leadership activities, events, and celebrations.

Please note:
• Posts must be shared April 20–24
• Adviser verification is required to claim prizes

📅 Learn more and prepare: https://hubs.la/Q04bS7Dd0

Removing the Price Tag From Prom Night - NASSP

04/13/2026

Prom should be a night to remember—not a source of stress.

At Harrison High School, leaders discovered that low dance attendance wasn’t about school spirit—it was about cost. By listening to students, they co-created “The Promise Project,” transforming donated formalwear into a boutique-style experience that made prom accessible for all.

This story is a powerful reminder: when we center student voice, we create more inclusive school communities where every student belongs.

✨ Read how one school removed the price tag from prom night:
https://hubs.la/Q04bsPls0

Removing the Price Tag From Prom Night - NASSP Spring is a season of milestones in high schools across the country, and nothing captures that energy quite like prom. However, behind the excitement of venue reveals and grand marches lies a quiet anxiety for many of our families: the cost. At Harrison High School in Harrison, AR, where 60% of ou...

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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