Welcome to CRIA National Honor Society!
The National Honor Society is the leader among organizations and societies that promote appropriate recognition for students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Thousands of schools are chartered and their chapters abide by the NHS National Constitution.
"National Honor Society membership is often regarded as a valid indicator that the student will succeed in life and particularly in studies at the post secondary level. The Honor Society member has already exhibited academic achievement, leadership, honorable and admirable character, and service that demonstrate the member is willing to use his or her talents and skills for the improvement of society" (NHS Official Handbook, 2016).
CRIA National Honor Society Chapter has been active for over 15 years, creating and participating in local and international community service projects, school and student activities and events, fundraisers, and many other valuable supportive endeavors.
How to Become an NHS Member
Typically, the application process begins near the beginning of the second semester. After an official announcement and an introduction to NHS, students request applications from the NHS advisor(s), usually in February. The application packet includes recommendation and community service hour forms, semester GPA records, and other requirements that the applicant must complete. The application deadline is set for a specific date in August, shortly after the start of the school year. A five-member NHS faculty council reviews applications. Announcement of new members and a formal induction ceremony are usually held in September. (See link/attachment for official application)
Please note:
- Applicants must have attended CRIA for at least one semester to be eligible for membership.
- Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- First-time member seniors are not eligible to apply.
- Applicants who are already members of NHS from a previous school are automatically accepted to the CRIA chapter, ONLY WHEN they provide a formal letter of verification from their previous NHS advisor or school principal/director.
CRIA NHS BYLAWS: COMMUNITY SERVICE POLICY GUIDELINES
Service is an essential characteristic and a primary responsibility of National Honor Society students. All NHS members are required to participate and to take leadership roles in community service activities and projects. Students applying for membership are expected to participate in community service activities as well.
Community Service projects, as defined by the NHS constitution, should “Fulfill a need within the school or community; have the support of the administration and the faculty; be appropriate and educationally defensible; be well planned, organized, and executed.”
Please note that NHS members should seek prior approval from their advisor(s) for appropriate and acceptable community service hours.
Members of CRIA National Honor Society (grades 10-12) are expected to:
1) Complete 50 hours of community service per school year, 25 hours per semester as defined below. (Note: the community service “school year” begins the day after the last day of classes in June and ends on the last day of classes the following June.)
- Complete a minimum 30 hours of service during the regular August-June school year.
- Complete a minimum 30 hours of service that is directly related to CRIA school activities, specific NHS sponsored activities, or local community activities.
- A maximum number of 20 international (outside of Costa Rica) community service hours will be accepted.
- A maximum number of 20 summer hours, whether in Costa Rica or international, will be accepted.
Applicants for CRIA NHS are expected to:
1) Complete 15 hours of approved Community Service as required on application.
2) If accepted as a member, follow the semester and yearly guidelines listed above.
Ask Mr. Crabtree for an application if you meet the above requirements and want to be considered for membership.
