What Makes a Great NHS Recommendation?
When someone writes a recommendation letter for you, they're essentially telling the National Honor Society committee why you're a fantastic candidate. They're highlighting your character, your leadership skills, your commitment to service, and your academic achievements. The importance of this letter cannot be overstated ; it offers a personal perspective that goes beyond grades and club activities. Think of it this way: your application shows what you've done, but a recommendation letter shows who you are through the eyes of someone who knows you well. It's a chance for a teacher, counselor, coach, or mentor to share specific stories and examples that illustrate your strengths. Here are some key things a recommender should consider when writing:- How well do they know you and for how long?
- What specific qualities do you possess that make you a good fit for NHS?
- Can they provide concrete examples of your leadership, service, scholarship, and character?
| Category | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Academic effort, curiosity, love of learning |
| Leadership | Taking initiative, guiding others, responsibility |
| Service | Helping others, community involvement, selfless actions |
| Character | Honesty, integrity, respect, positive attitude |
Recommendation from a Teacher Who Sees Your Academic Drive
Dear National Honor Society 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 teaching [Student's First Name] in my [Subject Name] class for the past [Number] years, and during this time, I have witnessed firsthand their exceptional dedication to academics. [Student's First Name] consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of the material, going above and beyond what is required to explore concepts further. Their participation in class discussions is always thoughtful and insightful, often elevating the learning experience for their peers.
[Student's First Name] approaches every assignment with a meticulous attention to detail and a genuine desire to learn. They are not afraid to tackle challenging problems and are persistent in finding solutions, which is a testament to their strong scholarship. Beyond their individual academic pursuits, [Student's First Name] often takes the initiative to help classmates who are struggling, explaining complex ideas in a clear and patient manner. This willingness to share their knowledge and support others speaks volumes about their character.
I am confident that [Student's Full Name]'s intellectual curiosity, strong work ethic, and positive influence on their classmates make them an outstanding candidate for the National Honor Society. They embody the principles of scholarship and character that the organization values.
Sincerely,
[Teacher's Full Name]
[Teacher's Title]
[School Name]
[Contact Information]
Recommendation from a Coach Highlighting Leadership and Teamwork
Dear National Honor Society Selection Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Student's Full Name] for membership in the National Honor Society. As [Student's First Name]'s coach for the [Sport Name] team for the past [Number] seasons, I have seen them grow not only as an athlete but also as a remarkable leader and teammate. [Student's First Name] leads by example, always demonstrating commitment, hard work, and a positive attitude, even when facing adversity.
[Student's First Name] is a natural leader on the field, often encouraging their teammates and fostering a strong sense of unity. They are excellent at communicating on the court/field and are always willing to take on responsibility, whether it's organizing drills or motivating the team during challenging games. Their sportsmanship is exemplary, showing respect for opponents, officials, and their own teammates.
Beyond their athletic achievements, [Student's First Name] consistently displays the qualities of character and leadership that are vital for the National Honor Society. They understand the importance of working together towards a common goal and are a positive influence on everyone around them. I believe they would be a valuable asset to your organization.
Sincerely,
[Coach's Full Name]
[Coach's Title]
[School Name]
[Contact Information]
Recommendation from a Club Advisor Focusing on Service and Initiative
Dear National Honor Society Selection Committee,
It is my distinct honor to recommend [Student's Full Name] for induction into the National Honor Society. As the advisor for the [Club Name] club, I have had the pleasure of observing [Student's First Name]'s dedication to service and their remarkable initiative over the past [Number] years. [Student's First Name] has been a driving force behind many of our most successful service projects.
[Student's First Name] doesn't just participate in service; they actively seek out opportunities to make a difference. They were instrumental in organizing our [Specific Service Project], which involved [Brief Description of Project and its Impact]. Their ability to brainstorm ideas, delegate tasks, and motivate fellow club members was crucial to its success. They consistently demonstrate a genuine commitment to helping others and improving our community.
[Student's First Name]'s positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to go the extra mile make them an ideal candidate for the National Honor Society. They embody the spirit of service and leadership, and I am confident they will continue to contribute positively to any organization they join.
Sincerely,
[Club Advisor's Full Name]
[Club Advisor's Title]
[School Name]
[Contact Information]
Recommendation from a Community Leader on Character and Responsibility
Dear National Honor Society Selection Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Student's Full Name] for membership in the National Honor Society. I have known [Student's First Name] for [Number] years through their involvement with [Community Organization/Activity], where I serve as [Your Title]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by their strong character, sense of responsibility, and genuine desire to contribute positively to our community.
[Student's First Name] has consistently shown up with enthusiasm and a willingness to help wherever needed during our [Type of Community Events]. They are reliable, diligent, and approach every task with integrity. I have observed them take initiative, such as [Specific Example of Initiative], which demonstrates their proactive nature and commitment to making a difference.
[Student's First Name]'s maturity and thoughtful approach to their responsibilities are truly commendable for someone their age. They are respectful, kind, and a positive role model for others in the community. I have no doubt that [Student's Full Name] possesses the exceptional character and dedication to service that the National Honor Society seeks.
Sincerely,
[Community Leader's Full Name]
[Community Leader's Title]
[Community Organization Name]
[Contact Information]
Recommendation from a Mentor Focusing on Growth and Potential
Dear National Honor Society Selection Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Student's Full Name] for membership in the National Honor Society. As [Student's First Name]'s mentor through the [Mentorship Program Name] program over the past [Number] year(s), I have had the unique opportunity to witness their personal and academic growth firsthand. [Student's First Name] has shown remarkable progress and a strong potential for continued success.
When I first met [Student's First Name], they expressed a desire to [Specific Goal/Area of Interest]. They have worked diligently towards this goal, demonstrating a willingness to learn, adapt, and overcome challenges. I've been particularly impressed with their [Specific Skill or Quality] that has developed significantly during our time together. [Student's First Name] is not afraid to ask questions and is always eager to absorb new information.
[Student's First Name]'s commitment to self-improvement and their positive outlook are qualities that make them an excellent candidate for the National Honor Society. They possess the drive and character to excel, and I am confident they will be a valuable and contributing member.
Sincerely,
[Mentor's Full Name]
[Mentor's Title]
[Mentorship Program Name]
[Contact Information]
Recommendation from a Peer Who Has Witnessed Collaboration and Support
Dear National Honor Society Selection Committee,
I am writing to recommend my classmate, [Student's Full Name], for membership in the National Honor Society. I have known [Student's First Name] for [Number] years, and we have worked together on several group projects in classes like [Class Name] and [Another Class Name]. During this time, I've seen how [Student's First Name] is not only a great student but also an incredible collaborator and a supportive friend.
In our group projects, [Student's First Name] always brings great ideas to the table and is excellent at listening to everyone's input. They make sure everyone feels heard and valued, which is super important for getting things done. If someone is struggling with a part of the project, [Student's First Name] is always the first to offer help and explain things patiently. They really make sure the whole team succeeds together.
[Student's First Name] is the kind of person who always has a positive attitude and is reliable. They are honest, respectful, and always willing to do their fair share, and then some. I truly believe that [Student's First Name] embodies the spirit of the National Honor Society and would be a fantastic addition.
Sincerely,
[Peer's Full Name]
[Peer's Grade Level]
[School Name]
Recommendation from a Volunteer Supervisor on Dedication and Empathy
Dear National Honor Society Selection Committee,
It is with genuine pleasure that I recommend [Student's Full Name] for induction into the National Honor Society. I have supervised [Student's First Name] during their volunteer work at [Organization Name] for the past [Number] months/years, and I have consistently been impressed by their dedication, empathy, and strong work ethic. [Student's First Name] has been an invaluable member of our volunteer team.
During their time with us, [Student's First Name] has consistently shown up on time, eager to contribute. They have a natural ability to connect with the people we serve, demonstrating genuine kindness and understanding. For example, [Student's First Name] took the initiative to [Specific Example of Initiative and Impact], which greatly improved the experience for [Beneficiaries of Service]. This shows not only their dedication but also their compassionate nature.
[Student's First Name]'s reliability, positive attitude, and sincere desire to make a difference make them an exceptional candidate for the National Honor Society. They embody the principles of service and character, and I am confident they will bring the same level of commitment and empathy to your organization.
Sincerely,
[Volunteer Supervisor's Full Name]
[Volunteer Supervisor's Title]
[Organization Name]
[Contact Information]