Far from being simply a reward for high academic achievement, the National Honor Society is a functioning, active group whose members seek to be outstanding leaders and role models for the school community and to promote the ideals of Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and Service among all students.  Selection for NHS membership is truly the highest honor a student can receive while in high school.  College admissions officers often look for Honor Society membership as a valid indicator that the applicant will succeed at the collegiate level of post secondary education.

Serving one another and the community is expressed in the motto of the National Honor Society, “Noblesse Oblige.”  Members of the National Honor Society are obligated to fulfill the motto with behavior that is honorable, responsible, and generous to others.  The NHS member is willing to use talents and skills for the improvement of society. 

LOCAL SCHOOL CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY 

In 2002, Balboa Academy applied for membership to belong to NHS.  Our local school chapter organization is one of thousands throughout the U.S. and American schools abroad.  The day-to-day administration of NHS national concerns is handled by the NASSP Department of Student Activities, headquartered in Reston, Virginia.  NASSP appoints a National Council which establishes the national standards for all NHS chapters. 

Balboa Academy’s local chapter created its own by-laws which are consistent with and comply with the NHS National Constitution.  Any student at BA who is a Sophomore, Junior or Senior is eligible for consideration for membership in NHS.  All membership selection is handled through the local school chapter.  Only those students who demonstrate outstanding Character, Leadership and commitment to Community Service, in addition to outstanding Scholarship, are considered for membership.  These four criteria for selection form the foundation upon which the organization and its activities are built.