The National Honor Society is an organization that was developed to acknowledge high school students who have exemplified themselves in four characteristics : Character, Service, Leadership, and Scholarship. Unlike an ordinary honor roll, NHS is a national organization that promotes academic excellence and service to one's community and high school.

Each state that is part of NHS has its own advisers and a state executive board that will plan any state-wide service activities and the annual state conference. Also, each participating high school has its own elected board which plans school service activities.