The National Honor Society of James “Nikki” Rowe High School is a chartered Chapter of the National Honor Society Organization.  Membership is open to those students who meet the required standards in four pillars:  scholarship, leadership, service, and character.  

Standards for selection are established by the national office of NHS and have been revised to meet our local chapter needs.  Students are selected to be members by the Faculty Council which is composed of 5 teachers at Rowe High School. 

Students in grades 11 and 12, who meet the scholarship requirement by having a 90 cumulative GPA and are in good standing in the school are eligible for membership and are invited to complete a Student Information Packet which provides the Faculty Council with information and evidence regarding the remaining 3 pillars of leadership, service, and character. Students are expected to include evidence of a minimum of 60 + hours of community service completed during high school starting in 9th grade and prior to NHS membership invitation. 

To determine membership, the Faculty Council also reviews faculty input, disciplinary records, four letters of recommendation (3 from core subject teachers and 1 from an elective teacher), and an essay written by the student.  A selection rubric is used to assess candidates’ strengths in the 3 remaining pillars. It only serves as a guide, as all decisions concerning selection have a certain subjective element. The Faculty Council, not the rubric, makes the final determination of membership. Once all this information is carefully reviewed, students who meet the required standards are invited to be members of the Honor Society of James “Nikki” Rowe.  Candidates are notified by school email. (Started since COVID 19)

Following notification, a formal induction ceremony is held at the school to recognize all the selected members who accept the membership invitation.  Once inducted, new members are required to maintain the standards of the four pillars which led to their selection, this obligation includes regular attendance at chapter meetings held monthly during the school year, participation in the chapter service projects, a $20.00 yearly membership fee, attendance to all future induction ceremonies held by the chapter.  Additionally, upon graduation, all students remaining in good standing are required to purchase their NHS stole to wear with the graduation gown. 

Students who are not selected to be members of NHS have at least 7 days from the date of notification letter to contact the NHS chapter adviser, Ms. Julie Zayas (julie.zayas@mcallenisd.net), and request information about the reason for non-selection. 

NHS Rubric

Sponsor: Julie Zayas RM 213