Recommending a student for the National Honor Society (NHS) is a significant responsibility. This guide provides a template and crucial advice to help you craft a compelling and informative letter that accurately reflects the student's qualifications. Remember, your letter is a key component of the student's application, so taking the time to write a thoughtful and detailed recommendation is essential.
Understanding the NHS Selection Criteria
Before starting your letter, familiarize yourself with the specific criteria your school uses for NHS selection. These typically include scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Your letter should directly address each of these areas, providing concrete examples to support your claims.
National Honor Society Recommendation Letter Template
[Your Name] [Your Title] [School Name] [School Address] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]
[NHS Selection Committee Name (if known)] [NHS Selection Committee Address (if known)]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Student's Full Name]
Dear [NHS Selection Committee],
It is with immense pleasure that I recommend [Student's Full Name] for membership in the National Honor Society. I have had the privilege of knowing [Student's Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role - e.g., teacher, counselor, advisor] at [School Name]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by their exceptional qualities in scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
Scholarship
[Student's Name] consistently demonstrates academic excellence. Their GPA of [GPA] places them in the top [Percentile] of their class. They excel in [Specific subjects or areas of academic strength], demonstrating a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for learning. For example, [Provide a specific anecdote illustrating academic achievement – e.g., a challenging project they excelled in, a particularly insightful contribution to class discussion, a significant academic award received]. Their commitment to learning extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by [Mention participation in academic clubs, competitions, or independent study].
Leadership
[Student's Name] is a natural leader who inspires and motivates their peers. They have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills through their involvement in [List specific leadership roles and responsibilities – e.g., club president, team captain, volunteer coordinator]. For example, [Provide a specific anecdote illustrating their leadership skills – e.g., how they resolved a conflict, how they successfully managed a team project, how they initiated a positive change]. Their leadership style is characterized by [Describe their leadership style – e.g., collaboration, decisiveness, empathy].
Service
[Student's Name] actively contributes to their school and community through meaningful service. They have volunteered their time and energy to [List specific service activities – e.g., tutoring, fundraising, community clean-up]. Their commitment to service is evident in [Provide a specific anecdote illustrating their dedication to service – e.g., a particularly challenging volunteer experience they handled well, a significant impact their service made]. They exemplify the spirit of service by [Describe their approach to service – e.g., consistent dedication, willingness to go the extra mile].
Character
[Student's Name] possesses exemplary character, consistently demonstrating integrity, honesty, and respect. They are a responsible and trustworthy individual who consistently acts with maturity and consideration for others. [Provide a specific anecdote illustrating their positive character – e.g., an instance of honesty, kindness, or resilience]. Their positive influence on the school community is undeniable.
In conclusion, [Student's Name] embodies the qualities of a National Honor Society member. Their exceptional academic achievements, strong leadership skills, unwavering commitment to service, and exemplary character make them an ideal candidate. I wholeheartedly recommend them for membership without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about NHS Recommendation Letters
What if I haven't taught the student for all four years of high school?
If you haven't known the student for their entire high school career, focus on the time you have known them. Provide detailed examples from your direct experience. You can mention that your recommendation is based on your observations during [specific timeframe].
How long should the letter be?
Aim for a letter that is approximately one page in length. It should be detailed enough to provide a comprehensive picture of the student but concise enough to remain engaging.
What should I do if I have some reservations?
If you have any significant reservations about recommending a student, it's best to decline to write the letter. An unenthusiastic or hesitant recommendation can be detrimental.
By following this template and addressing these frequently asked questions, you can effectively craft a recommendation letter that will significantly aid a deserving student in their application to the National Honor Society. Remember to personalize the letter to reflect the unique qualities and contributions of each student.
