The Donald W. Coates Chapter of the National Honor Society was started in Baldwinsville in 1955, with nine members. For many students, selection as a member of the National Honor Society is the pinnacle of their achievements in school. This honor, recognized throughout the nation, is both the public recognition of accomplishment and the private commitment to continued excellence on the part of the new member. Selection to the NHS is a privilege, not a right.

Students are invited to provide information to be used by the advisor and Faculty Council to support their candidacy for membership. Membership is granted only to those students selected by the Faculty Council. This is not an election, nor is membership automatically conveyed because a student has achieved a specified level of academic performance. It is not an honor roll. The following information should provide teachers, students, and parents with a clearer understanding of the selection process used at C.W. Baker High School:

• The Faculty Council - consists of five (5) voting members who review student activity information forms on behalf of the faculty of the school. The Faculty Council selects students who demonstrate outstanding performance in all four criteria of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. A weakness in any of these areas can result in non-selection.
• Scholarship - Candidates for membership must be entering their senior year and per our chapter by-laws have a cumulative, non-weighted high school average of at least 93.00% through the end of their junior year. This non-weighted high school average includes all high school credit bearing courses, which would include any credit bearing accelerated and/or elective courses taken at all other grade levels. The non-weighted high school average is not rounded up.
• Leadership - The Faculty Council has interpreted leadership in terms of effective participation in co-curricular school activities. It also considers student leadership in the classroom, at school, and in the community; however, involvement in at least three school-related activities in grades 10 and 11 is required. Holding school offices and positions, promoting school activities, and contributing a positive influence in school are also important.
• Service - The student should have some record of participation in school and/or community projects that assist others. Volunteer experiences of all kinds are taken into consideration. (A minimum of 15 hours from service performed in grades 10 and 11 is expected.) To ensure all students have ample time to complete their service obligations, students will have the entire summer prior to applying.
• Character - The student should demonstrate the highest standards of honesty and reliability. Qualities such as respect for others, responsibility, trustworthiness, caring, and student cooperation with school rules and regulations are taken seriously. Any high school record of cheating, plagiarism, serious disciplinary action, and record of suspension from the athletic department will impact negatively on a student seeking membership. National Honor Society members serve as role models for the student body.

*Student information forms also should include a letter of recommendation and an essay.

*All names of candidates being considered for membership are presented to the entire faculty for approval. All faculty members are invited to make comments on candidates. Induction takes place in the fall.

NOTE: With appropriate review, the Faculty Council reserves the right to revoke membership under certain circumstances. Questions and concerns should be directed to Mrs. Brown in Rm. #2407 or Mrs. Mullaney Rm. #2416.

National Honor Society – Bylaws