Membership

Become a Member of NCHS

Celebrate the culture. Earn your cords. Lead your community. 

Why Join the National Celtic Honor Society?

Membership in the NCHS is a mark of academic distinction and cultural dedication that stands out on college applications and resumes. As an inducted member, you will:

• Earn Graduation Recognition: Active, senior members in good standing earn the right to wear official NCHS honor cords at their high school graduation.

• Build Your Resume: Demonstrate commitment to diversity, cultural appreciation, and academic excellence to college admissions boards.

• Develop Leadership Skills: Take on officer roles, organize school-wide cultural events, and lead community service projects.

• Find Your Community: Connect with other students who share a passion for history, languages, arts, and global cultures.

Membership & Induction Requirements

Phase 1: Joining Your Local Chapter 

To join your school's chapter as a General Member, students must meet the following baseline national standards:

• Academic Standing: Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.

• Cultural Interest: Possess a genuine desire to study and celebrate the cultures of the Celtic nations - by roots or by reach.

• Character: Maintain an excellent disciplinary record and demonstrate a willingness to serve the school community.

Phase 2: The Path to Induction 

NCHS is a rigorous, action-oriented honor society. To achieve official induction into the National Celtic Honor Society, the highest honor of membership, General Members must earn four distinct Membership Seals over the school year.

You will receive an official Membership Certificate with placeholders for these four seals. To earn them, you must demonstrate initiative in our four core pillars:

• The Scholarly Seal (Blue): Earned by advancing cultural learning within the club, such as developing an educational presentation or creating research materials.

• The Service Seal (Green): Earned by contributing through service and outreach, such as coordinating a charity drive or representing the club at a community function.

• The Cultural Seal (Red): Earned by actively engaging in cultural practice, such as leading a hands-on workshop or helping produce a seasonal celebration.

• The Leadership Seal (Gold): Earned by leading and strengthening the club, such as serving as an officer or taking the initiative to plan events.

Graduation Cords 

Graduating seniors who successfully earn all four seals and are officially inducted into the Celtic Honor Society earn the right to wear official NCHS graduation cords. These intertwined green and gold cords symbolize distinguished, well-rounded achievement in academics, cultural engagement, service, and leadership. 

How to Apply 

Step 1: Check Your School Ask your school counselors or club directors if your school currently has an active NCHS Chapter.

Step 2: Submit an Application If your school has a chapter, reach out to the Chapter Advisor (the teacher in charge) to request a membership application. You will be evaluated on your academics, character, and interest in the culture.

Step 3: The Induction Ceremony Accepted students will be officially welcomed into the society during their school's formal NCHS Induction Ceremony.

Don't have an NCHS Chapter at your school? 

You can be the founding student! All it takes is one passionate teacher to act as your Chapter Advisor. Direct a trusted teacher to our Charter a Chapter to learn how they can bring the National Celtic Honor Society to your high school.