Sure we can, but that’s beside the point. In the end, we have a high school system with some typical organizations, activities, and awards that become the predominant currency of college applications. Wouldn’t it be great if parents could institute some high school awards that our darling children would be perfectly positioned to earn, especially if we don’t like the existing ones? Alas, we can’t. Yes, NHS is nothing special, but don’t you get that that is exactly why I had hoped my average D could succeed in earning it? The more substantial accomplishments, like getting straight A’s, scoring high on the SAT’s and achieving a significant leadership position are all out of reach for her. None of those are the end all and be all either. Nothing is. But students still need to strive and try and hopefully accomplish at least a few markers of achievement. For the kids of most CCer’s, NHS membership would be effortless to achieve and therefore worthless. Not so for D. Sheesh.
In addition, NHS tends to mean a bit more to people older or less informed than we are, such as the leaders of some community groups who sponsor local scholarships, like the VFW and Lion’s Club. Again, the honor gives people some sort of assurance that the kid has a good character.