National Honor Society (NHS) is a nationwide program that attracts bright students and future leaders. NHS is a popular club in CHS, but not everyone has what it takes to keep track of the many requirements needed to apply.

Math teacher and NHS advisor Justine Lane said,“As soon as school ends and all the grades are in, I send out a letter to everyone in the sophomore and junior class who have a 92 [percent] average or better.”

“You have to have 100 hours of service and you have to have 50 hours of leadership, and you have to have 10 character references from at least 10 teachers, figures of authority or coaches,” Lane said.

CHS requirements for NHS applications drastically differentiate from the national guidelines, which state that students must have a cumulative GPA of only 85 percent, according to the society’s website. CHS requires a cumulative GPA of 92 percent.

According to CharityLinkBoston.com, some schools only require a minimum of 50 hours of community service.

CHS students have mixed feelings about NHS requirements.

“I think it’s a fine amount of hours but I also think that all the schools, like across the country, should have the same requirements,” said NHS applicant and junior Colleen Megerle of Colts Neck.

However, others believe that the requirements are unrealistic.

“I don’t think you should necessarily have to have CHS hours along with outside hours,” said NHS inductee and senior Erica Lalor of Aberdeen.

Over 1 million students participate in NHS activities, according to the NHS official website. Around 45 to 50 CHS students make the cut each year, and it’s truly up to the NHS Faculty Council on who gets in, Lane said.

Senior Julianne Sackett of Rumson is on NHS council.

“No one really knows who’s on that, it’s kind of secretive,” Sackett said regarding the NHS Faculty Council.

The CHS requirements may reach beyond the organization’s guidelines, but students are up for the challenge.