National Honor Society at Lincoln Academy

Lincoln Academy’s National Honor Society Chapter adheres to the National Honor Society vision to be a beacon of intellectual rigor, a celebration of service, a paragon of leadership, and a champion of character in our community.

All members are expected to fulfill the following obligations to remain in good standing:

  • Attend all NHS meetings
  • Participate in chapter-wide service projects
  • Participate in individual service projects
  • Maintain academic achievement
  • Uphold the four pillars of NHS by being exemplary members of the LA community

LA’s NHS chapter meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 7:15-8am*. Attendance is required of all members.

2026-27 meeting dates are as follows:

  • September 8
  • October 13
  • November 10
  • December 8
  • January 5
  • February 9
  • March 9
  • April 13
  • May 11
  • June 8

*Additional meetings may be scheduled as necessary

Please click here for the Lincoln Academy National Honors Society By-Laws, adopted June 2026

NHS Advisors

Heather D’Ippolito
dippolito@lincolnacademy.org

Brenda Sawyer
sawyer@lincolnacademy.org

IMPORTANT NOTE for 2026–27 Academic Year ONLY:

Lincoln Academy’s NHS chapter will hold two rounds of membership induction, one in the first trimester and again in the third trimester. This will help our chapter transition towards accepting students at the end of their sophomore year so that they may serve two full years in this organization. Beginning in Spring 2027, we will no longer invite students entering their senior year to be considered for membership.

Eligibility and Selection of New Members (cited from the chapter by-laws)

Membership Eligibility (Article IV, Section 3)

  • Must be a sophomore or junior (Fall 2026 only: seniors also eligible)
  • Enrolled at Lincoln Academy for at least 3 trimesters
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 88
  • Meeting these standards earns an invitation to apply — final selection is then based on service, leadership, and character

Selection of Members (Article V)

  • Who decides: 5 voting faculty council members (appointed by Head of School); majority vote required
  • When: Normally once a year, 3rd trimester, after mid-trimester grades — except 2026–2027, which has two cycles (fall + spring)
  • Process before final selection:
    1. Academic records reviewed for scholastic eligibility
    2. Eligible students notified and asked to submit candidate application
    3. Faculty evaluates candidates via official input form; candidates also secure 3 recommendations
    4. Faculty council reviews all materials to determine who meets full selection criteria

Wondering what an ideal NHS candidate looks like?

Maintaining good academic standing (88 average across all courses) is the minimum requirement for students to be considered for the membership application.

National Honor Society Selection is based on four pillars — Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. You can read below to learn more about what the faculty council looks for in a strong NHS candidate.

Scholarship

Scholarship isn’t just about your GPA — it’s a genuine commitment to learning, both in and out of the classroom.

What it looks like:

  • Taking on challenging coursework, not just the easiest path to a good grade
  • Showing up to class prepared, curious, and engaged — not just chasing points

Ask yourself: Am I learning because I have to, or because I want to grow?

Service

Service means stepping outside yourself to meet the needs of others without expecting anything in return.

What it looks like:

  • Volunteering consistently, not just cramming hours in before the deadline
  • Contributing to the LA community and giving back to your local community because you care about the cause, not just for the resume line

Ask yourself: What need have I noticed around me, and what have I actually done about it?

Leadership

Leadership isn’t about having a title. It’s about initiative, influence, and lifting others up.

What it looks like:

  • Taking initiative without being asked (starting a project, solving a problem, organizing something)
  • Encouraging and supporting peers rather than just directing them

Ask yourself: Where have I influenced a situation for the better, even without a title?

Character

Character is about integrity, respect, and consistency and who you are when no one’s expecting anything of you.

What it looks like:

  • Consistently treating teachers, staff, classmates, and community members with respect
  • Owning your mistakes and learning from them

Ask yourself: Would my teachers describe me the same way my friends would?

Putting It All Together

A strong NHS candidate doesn’t have to be “perfect” in all four areas — but they should be able to point to real, specific examples in each pillar.

Quick Self-Check

  • I meet (or exceed) LA’s GPA requirement
  • I can name specific service activities I participate in and roughly how many hours I participate
  • I can describe at least one moment I showed leadership — formal or informal
  • I can describe a moment my character was tested and how I responded
  • My teachers would vouch for my conduct and effort, not just my grades
  • I know community members who will complete recommendation forms on my behalf