I thought about this for a while and decided to enter a nostalgic reply.
This is what Wikipedia has to say:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Honor_Society
Its purpose was important for many years. I graduated from high school in 1969 during a time of change in the United States. Change had been coming for a while and with that, turbulence in society and in high schools and universities. The NHS was a place of honor. It represented achievement and respect. The members of NHS were looked up to and admired by their peers, their faculty, and their administration.They wore letter sweaters and it was special. During that time, it was not assumed that everyone would go to college or even apply. The students in NHS were that hope. And there wasn't FIRST. There were few places to be recognized for leadership, working hard at achieving academic goals and standing, setting the bar. Today, when I meet young people who are members of NHS, I think about that. It is different now, with so many options in education and in achieving goals, but it will mean what you want it to mean and will garner respect from those who understand and appreciate its value. Not everything has to be cashed in or has to have instant recognition. Sometimes being a part of a program of value and opportunity is enough. And, what you put into the program is what you get out of it.
Jane
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Excellence is contagious. ~ Andy Baker, President, AndyMark, Inc. and Woodie Flowers Award 2003
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
~ Helen Keller (1880-1968)