Students seeking membership should demonstrate a history of active participation in multiple services. These services may come in different formats: service to the De Smet Jesuit community, service to the student’s local community, or service to the greater St. Louis area. Service to the De Smet Jesuit community includes setting up or assisting at events like Christmas on Campus, the Auction, or similar events. Service to the local community includes service within a student’s parish or as a Boy Scout. Service to the greater St. Louis area includes serving at organizations such as The Solomon Project, The Josh Chamberlain Society, St. Patrick Center, etc.

Students must demonstrate at least 10 hours of service since the beginning of their sophomore year to be eligible for NHS membership. 

All members and applicants must serve the De Smet Jesuit community at Open House.

A student demonstrates leadership by example, by being a team builder, by encouraging and supporting others, by taking on as well as delegating responsibilities, and by believing in constant learning and development. Students applying to the National Honor Society are expected to be active in various extracurricular activities. Feedback on a student’s participation in these activities will be solicited directly from coaches, club moderators, teachers, and counselors.

Along with the scholarship and service requirements, students must also receive favorable ratings for character. All teachers, support staff, deans, guidance counselors, club sponsors, and coaches have the opportunity to rate a student for leadership and character. Students of good character have integrity with no record of cheating or intentional dishonesty or of violating any school regulation. They exhibit positive behavior and promote positive attitudes and cooperation and a willingness to assist classmates and faculty members. Student leaders are viewed as resourceful, dependable, positive people who are able to solve problems and contribute ideas.

All National Honor Society members are expected to maintain membership requirements of the National Honor Society, including GPA, and to take part in National Honor Society service projects.