National Honor Society Calls Students to "Honor Your Future Now" to Prepare For College, Career and Future Success

RESTON, Va., Oct. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the National Honor Society (NHS) and the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are encouraging high school and middle school students to "Honor Your Future Now" by taking action now to prepare for college, career and a lifetime of success. Through this new campaign, the Honor Societies are unveiling new resources for student members and empowering all students to build skills and experience within five proven pillars: Leadership, Character, Service, Scholarship and Citizenship.  

To exemplify how the key pillars can lead to creating well-rounded students and achieving success, the founder of the National Honor Societies, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), has enlisted NHS alumnus and award-winning actor Hill Harper as a voice for the campaign. Harper, who is also a best-selling author, well-known philanthropist and star of the new, fast-paced CBS drama "Limitless," will help educate and motivate students by sharing his personal success story and discussing the role NHS and the key pillars have played in helping him achieve his goals in life.

"Getting to and through college and onto a successful career can be daunting for many students because they may not know when to start and what path to take in building their skills and experience. My situation was no different, but through the recognition, support and direction of the National Honor Society, I was empowered to start building my future at an early age and achieve my goals," said Hill Harper. "I'm excited to be working with the National Honor Society and pass on the knowledge and inspiration that fostered my growth as a youth and continues to play a critical role in my success throughout my life." 

As Harper points out, starting to build the right experience at a young age is vital, but many students do not recognize this important pathway. A new NHS national survey shows that the majority of college-seeking students and college admissions officers surveyed may not see eye-to-eye on critical skills and experience needed to get into college and have future success. In fact, according to the survey, the majority of college admissions officers (72 percent) recommend students start preparing for college before or by ninth grade. Yet, according to the survey, more than half of junior high students (52 percent) haven't started prepping. Also, while admissions officers agree that participating in extra- and co-curricular activities are an important attribute, only 25 percent of students think showcasing that they are well-rounded is one of the most important parts of their college application. 

"Our survey findings show the need to help students understand it's never too early to start building their future and not to overlook the importance of extra-curricular and co-curricular programs as opportunities to foster skills within the key pillars outlined by NHS," said Jonathan Mathis, Director of the National Honor Societies. "Excelling at the pillars defined as leadership, character, scholarship, service and citizenship not only develops well-rounded students and helps them realize success, but also allows them to become outstanding ambassadors of their schools and communities of which they will lead and serve."

As part of the campaign, the Honor Societies are rolling out a host of new resources for the 2015–2016 academic year, including: 

• NHS Scholarship Program: The current NHS Scholarship Program will double the amount of total money awarded to $500,000 in 2015 and reach more students than in previous years for a total fund of up to $2 million within the next four years. NHS will begin accepting applications for scholarships in November 2015.
• NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award: The new NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award provides 500 middle-level students with $500 each to start their college savings and will begin accepting nominations in January 2016.
• College Admissions and Financial Aid Planning Support: A series of webinars and Twitter Town Halls will give students, parents and advisers the chance to learn directly from college admission officers and get their questions answered on topics including the application process, financial aid and college fit. The first webinar will take place on November 14, 2015.
• Scholarship Search Tool: An NHS members-only online tool that is customized around the four pillars of NHS and will be available in January 2016 to help students in their college scholarship search. The tool was created in partnership with Get Schooled, a national education nonprofit that aims to inspire, motivate and empower students to graduate high school and go to and succeed in college. 
• State Summits: One-day events bringing together NHS and NJHS students and advisers for empowerment and leadership development beginning in early 2016.

"We believe that every student should have the opportunity to succeed, perform at their very best and have access to experiences that cultivate leadership. We know every student can make a difference in their schools and communities, and cultivate a legacy of achievement if given the chance," Mathis said. "Built on nearly 100 years of history, the Honor Societies recognize and foster more than one million students each year. This year we invite students everywhere to 'Honor Your Future Now.'"   

To help students "Honor Your Future Now," the National Honor Societies offer the following advice:

• Don't Wait!: It's never too early to start focusing on the future. No matter what grade you are in, start looking for opportunities to develop skills and experience that will help you grow and be well-rounded. 
• Make the Grade: Strive for academic success. It will not only play a critical role in helping you get into college, but will ensure you learn important lessons that can guide you throughout your life.
• Be a Leader: Participate in leadership programs and learn important skills like resourcefulness, problem solving and how to work well with others. Learning how to be a strong leader early can help you throughout college and your career.
• Build Your Character: Learn about the importance of demonstrating high standards of honesty, integrity and showing courtesy and respect toward others. Building a strong character can serve as the foundation for future success.
• Give Back: Join volunteer projects that you are passionate about, and learn about the importance of being active in and giving back to your community.  
• Find Your Voice: Understand your role and rights as a citizen in our country so you can become an active member who lets your voice be heard. 

Visit the "Honor Your Future Now" website at HonorYourFutureNow.org to access the new tools available for students and parents, including Harper's own "Top 10 Tips for Success," and stay up-to-date on the campaign as future resources are announced throughout the 2015-2016 academic year.

NASSP serves as the voice of school principals nationwide and is the founder of NHS, NJHS and the National Elementary Honor Society. School principals acknowledge the importance of investing in students today, and recognize the importance of their role in developing the leaders of the next generation. 

About NASSP

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States and 35 countries around the world. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high-quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Association of Student Councils.

SOURCE National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)

Related Links

http://www.nhs.us/honor-your-future-now.aspx