The National Honor Society (NHS) is one of the nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school students.  More than just an honor roll, 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 beginning in 1921.

Scholarship

A student's requirement is a cumulative 3.65QPA midway through the junior year.  This requirement qualifies them for an application to join NHS only.

Leadership and Character

Each applicant is required to write an essay explaining how they meet all requirements and why they should be chosen as a member of the National Honor Society.  Each student must also complete a  a questionnaire listing all school and outside activities.

In addition, we ask all teachers and administrators to comment on the character of each student making application to the NHS.

Service

Each member is asked to participate in at least 3 of these events to fulfill their service requirements for our society:

Decorating at Overly's
In October, a busload of students travel to Overly’s Country Christmas, Greensburg, PA, to help put up decorations.  Overly’s charges admission to view their spectacular display of lights.  All proceeds go to families at risk.

NHS Members Tackle Hunger!
Members collected food and money for the Tackle Hunger Food Drive for the Westmoreland County Food Bank in September.  The organization collected 285 pounds of food and $609.

Fall Dodge Ball Tournament
A Dodge Ball Tournament is held to raise money for a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon that is held during Education Appreciation Week.

Removing Decorations at Overly's
In February, a busload of students again travel to Overly’s Country Christmas, Greensburg, PA, --this time to carefully remove and pack the decorations.  It is a fun, but tedious job!

Christmas Collection for Children's Hospital
Homerooms compete to raise money for Children’s Hospital.  For one week, NHS members collect donations in homerooms.  The homeroom with the highest donations is given breakfast (cookies and juice) the day before Christmas break.  For Christmas 2009, NHS sent $1160 to Children’s Hospital Pittsburgh Foundation.

New Member Induction Ceremony
The Induction Ceremony was held on March 4 at the Willow Room.

Pennies for Patients
Held in the Spring, NHS members use the same "homeroom competition strategy" for collections.  Pennies for Patients are donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  The winning homeroom gets breakfast the day before Spring break.  This spring, the organization collected $1011.50 - This is the most they have ever collected for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients.

Relay for Life
On April 7, NHS members participated in the Relay for Life Walkathon for the American Cancer Society.  The BVA Interact Club sponsors the event, but we have a large group participating.  Each student is required to raise at least $50.

Cedar Point
May 28 is the chosen date for the NHS members to relax and unwind after a long school year by taking a trip to Cedar Point.