Honor Societies
National Honor Society
Membership in the National Honor Society is a faculty-awarded honor presented to those students who have exemplified outstanding character, academic achievement, leadership, and service. The NHS digital application will be available for Juniors and Seniors when school resumes in August. Please read all pertinent information carefully BEFORE completing the digital application. Once the application is submitted, it cannot be retrieved or changed.
What is the application process?
Requirements for membership in this honor society are rigorous, as the student must excel in the mandated areas of character, leadership, and service, as well as maintain a cumulative academic GPA of 3.5 or above with five or fewer demerits in each academic year and no incidences of academic dishonesty in the student’s junior or senior year. GPA and disciplinary records are verified by the NHS advisors. Not all students are awarded membership into NHS the first time their achievements are reviewed; some must continue to work on one area or another, most often the areas of leadership and service.
DOWNLOAD IMPORTANT NOTES AND FAQS BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE APPLICATION
Please read through the following procedures and FAQ's for information regarding membership in NHS. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail Mr. Mark Van Ness, the NHS Advisor.
The application for membership for 2023-2024 will be available at 8:00 A.M on Monday, August 21, 2023 and will close on Monday, September 14, 2023 at 3:00 P.M.
Current Seniors who were inducted into NHS last year do not need to re-apply.
California Scholarship Federation (CSF)
CSF is an academic honors organization comprised of students who have met the CSF grade requirements (see application). Eligibility is determined by the student’s grades from his or her most recent high school semester report card. Members will not only receive academic recognition at SMCHS, but colleges and universities also tend to look favorably on CSF membership when reviewing applications. The 2023-2024 school year will be the first year where an executive board will be established to get students more involved with CSF.
Seniors may achieve Life Membership (Sealbearer status at graduation) if they have been a member of CSF for four semesters during second semester of sophomore year through second semester of senior year. A senior must qualify for second semester of senior year even if they have four prior semesters of membership because one semester must be based on grades earned in the senior year. A senior needing one additional semester to qualify for Sealbearer may use final grades in the last semester of senior year if they qualify and complete a CSF application in May/June.
When you apply, you must use your SMCHS email. Please assume that you will be accepted after you apply. You will only receive an email or update if you did not meet the requirements.
Note: Current 9th graders may apply for the Spring CSF Application period based on their first semester grades.
STEPS TO APPLY:
Fall Application Period
The fall application period runs from September 13-27, 2023. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible to apply using grades from Spring 2023. Please follow these steps:
- Download the course grid:
Download Grid - Print the grid, fill it out and make sure to put your name on it.
- Begin filling out the application:
APPLICATION - Upload the completed grid during the application process:
Please email Ms. Hester with questions.
Important Guidelines and Course List
International Thespian Society
The International Thespian Society is the only organization recognized by colleges and universities to honor high school students for outstanding work in theatre. Santa Margarita Catholic High School is home to Thespian Troupe #5524. Membership gives students incentives to participate in theatre activities and can be an important factor in gaining admission to a quality theatre program at the university level. Students earn points toward membership and levels of recognition. Talon Thespians have the opportunity to attend the state and international festivals and compete in various individual events.
National Art Honor Society
The National Honor Society (NAHS) is designed specifically for high school students in grades 9-12. In 1978, the National Art Educator Association began the National Art Honor Society program to inspire and recognize students who have shown an outstanding ability and interest in art. The NAHS strives to aid members in attaining the highest standards in art scholarship, character and service, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community. Seniors are recognized at graduation with honors cords.
Questions?
Contact Visual Arts Community Outreach Coordinator Nancy Harrell at harrelln@smhs.org
The Tri-M Music Honor Society Membership
The Tri-M® Music Honor Society is a program of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), which focuses on creating future leaders in music education and music advocacy. Tri-M is the only music honor society for junior/middle school and high school students in the country and it recognizes students that have gone above and beyond both academically and musically.
Tri-M also provides students leadership opportunities to make a difference in their community through music-based service projects. Each year, student members contribute more than 750,000 service hours to their school and local communities and raise nearly $1 million for causes they care about.