So, congratulations on getting invited to apply to NJHS. It's an honor! And you and your family should feel proud of your academic achievement. However, although your GPA gets you an invite to apply, NJHS might not actually be something you are interested in or have the time for. Consider this carefully, because NJHS is a commitment!
So, you might be asking yourself, just what is NJHS, anyway? Well, it's not just a group set up to recognize smart, hard-working kids like you. Actually, NJHS is about Leadership and Service. If you are the kind of kid who really likes jumping in and lending a hand, if helping others is what makes you feel great, if you like to inspire others to also pitch in, then this might be the group for you! You have an important decision to make. Read around on this website and decide if this is a group you think you'd like to belong to. If the answer is an emphatic "YES" then keep reading!
Here's how to apply:
You and a parent must attend one of the NJHS Informational meetings to be held at Crossroads or Highlands. You can come to either meeting location. At the meeting you will receive your official application packet known as the Candidate Form. Read all the directions carefully. Then get to work. You are the Candidate. There's a lot to do and you have to do it all in your own hand-writing. You can ask your Mom, Dad or Granny to help you and please feel free to email me any questions. I'm the Adviser and that's my job! However, the actual leg-work (getting all those signatures) and the written work (filling out the forms thoughtfully and completely and writing an essay) you have to do all by your lonesome. That's 'cause we're looking for kids who are ready to be independent, what the business world calls "self-starters."
Once you turn in your completed forms and essay (by the deadline, of course) then everything will be reviewed by the NJHS Faculty Council. Gulp. Yeah, it's kind of a big deal. The FC is gonna make sure you have followed all the directions precisely! They are going to determine from what you provide if this organization is a good fit for you. Oh, and they are going to check with your references, all those people who verify your experiences. They will read what your teachers have to say about you and check your school behavior records. Yikes! Does this mean you have to be PERFECT - no, but members are held to a pretty high standard.
Okay, so let's say your application is incomplete or you don't have enough of the kinds of experiences the FC is looking for and you get turned down. Well, it doesn't mean anything about how smart, or awesome or fun or talented or kind you are. And it doesn't predict anything about how successful you will be in middle school or life! So don't take it personally! It just means you didn't demonstrate to the FC that you had enough of the kinds of experiences they are looking for. Also, if you're still interested, incoming 7th graders, you have another shot at it after first semester of 7th grade. And everyone can try again in High School!
And, remember, there are lots of other cool things to do in middle school!
Shoot me an email if you have any questions!
Kathy Vogel
NJHS Adviser
kvogel@nvps.net
