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The NHSDA Induction and Graduation with Honors criteria are designed to allow for flexibility at the chapter level so that honor society induction reflects and supports the school or studio's mission and circumstances. There are 3 main criteria - earned participation points, character and GPA.
This category reflects points earned for meritorious participation in a wide variety of dance activities. The NHSDA National Induction Point System provides a range of points possible for various activities. Chapter Sponsors may use their discretion in awarding points from zero to the maximum according to the quality of the work performed in a given activity. After being Inducted, students will continue to accumulate points until they have earned the points required for Graduation with Honors.
To qualify for Graduation with Honors within the Junior and Secondary Program, a student must earn 10 points (Junior) or 15 points (Secondary) beyond their initial induction requirements for a total of 25 points (Junior) and 45 (Secondary), at least 10 (Junior) or 20 (Secondary) of which should be earned while participating in dance activities within the program of the chapter site. At the sponsor's discretion, a student may earn up to 15 points (Junior) or 25 points (Secondary) while participating in community dance activities or other activities in the performing arts outside of the chapter program. Prospective inductees should submit documentation (e.g., programs, signed letters of participation) for any activities outside of the chapter's program to the Chapter Sponsor.
Students applying for Graduation with Honors will need to submit a 250-500 word essay to their NHSDA Chapter Sponsor that describes: What impact dance has had on your life, in and out of the studio? How do you plan to use this influence in the future to have an impact on other people and communities? An equivalent essay as approved by the Chapter Sponsor, will also be accepted.
For Graduation with Honors, the Chapter Sponsor affirms the qualities observed for Induction. However, the character reference expands to be more inclusive of group and society observing one's ability to motivate others, offer thoughtful solutions that unite rather than divide, exercise judicious behavior in communications, do team-building, offer creative paths to new directions, encourage others to lead, and develop tangible personal and professional responsibilities to dance (as an interest, profession, or life-long learning experience) at local, state and national levels.
Determinations made for Character References are frequently made through personal observation and interaction with the student and peers, and the solicitation of input from other faculty either verbally or in writing.
Students must maintain the chapter GPA minimum at the time of graduation to receive Graduation with Honors.