The SMCS Chapter of the National Honor Society, Cross Bearers, was established in 1989. Eligible students must be in the 10th to 12th grades and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7. Students meeting these minimum criteria are then placed before a faculty committee and evaluated on overall character, service to the school and community, and positive leadership. The evaluation consists of the following 28 areas:
 
Character; does the student:
1. Take criticism willingly and accept recommendations graciously?

2. Constantly exemplify desirable qualities of personality (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability)?

3. Uphold Christian principles of morality and ethics?

4. Cooperate by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, etc.?

5. Demonstrate the highest standards of honesty and reliability?

6. Show courtesy, concern, and respect for others?

7. Observe instructions and rules, punctuality, and faithfulness in obligations both inside and outside class?

8. Exhibit powers of concentration and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies?

9. Manifest truthfulness in acknowledging obedience of rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others?

10. Actively help to rid the school of bad influences or environment?
 
Service; does the student:
1. Willingly uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal attitude toward the school?

2. Participate in some outside activity such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups, volunteer services for the aged, poor, disadvantaged, or family duties?

3. Volunteer dependable and well-organized assistance; is available on his or her own time, and is self-sacrificing?

4. Work well with others and willingly take difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities?

5. Render cheerfully and enthusiastically any requested service to the school?

6. Willingly represent his/her class or school in interclass or interschool competition?

7. Show courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students?
 
Leadership; does the student:
1. Show evidence of being resourceful in proposing new programs, applying principles, and making suggestions?

2. Demonstrate leadership in promoting school activities?

3. Exercise influence on peers in upholding school ideals?

4. Contribute ideas that improve the civic life of the school?

5. Show ability to delegate responsibilities?

6. Exemplify positive qualities?

7. Demonstrate academic initiative?

8. Inspire positive behavior in others?

9. Successfully hold school offices or positions of responsibility, conduct business efficiently and effectively, and show reliability and dependability without prodding?

10. Demonstrate leadership in the classroom, at work, and in school activities?

11. Show dependability in any responsibility he or she accepts?
 
 
The scoring scale for each of the 28 criteria above is 1 to 5 as follows: 5=Excellent SMCS student; 4=Above average SMCS student; 3=Average SMCS student; 2=Below average SMC student; and 1=Poor SMCS student. Students receiving an average score of 3.7 in all areas and from a majoirty of the faculty council are then inducted into the National Honor Society. Members are then required to maintain these minimum standards or they may risk losing their membership. Students may be eligible for membership for more than one year. If a student is not inducted in one year, it is possible that induction could take place in a following year.
 
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