The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, the NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its inception in 1921. Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS. NHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories, and Canada. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service. Four main purposes have guided chapters of NHS from the beginning- “To create enthusiasm for scholarship, to simulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the student in the secondary school.” (From the NHS constitution) These purposes also translate into the criteria used for membership selection in each local chapter.