The Fountain Hills High School chapter of the National Honor Society is currently accepting applications for members.

The National Honor Society, established in 1921, is a national recognition program for high school students who show achievement in scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

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.

Candidates must meet stringent requirements for scholarship, service, leadership and character in order to be selected for membership.

NHS members participate in numerous service activities including organizing the school food drive, ushering at school events, manning the high school’s Homework Hub Tutoring Center, and teaching younger students at the Boys & Girls Club.

NHS membership activities are invaluable to the school community, and especially attractive for college applications and scholarships.

The selection process begins in February. Tenth and eleventh grade students with a weighted 3.5 or higher GPA will receive a letter in January, inviting them to apply. The next step is to fill out the membership application, return it to the NHS adviser, and survive a highly competitive judging process.

The judging process involves 6-8 judges who, without knowing the student’s identity, will judge him/her in the categories of scholarship, leadership, character and community service.

At the end of March, the selected candidates will be notified, and take part in the April induction ceremony.

The application form is also available on the high school website at hs.fountainhillsschools.org/. Then select “Activities,” then “Clubs,” then “Clubs and Programs Page” — then “NHS” to download the “Student Activity Application Form.”

Applications will be due on Friday, Feb. 20, to Mrs. Couture in PC 204. Turn in forms early, as no late applications will be accepted.