The Japanese National Honor Society Pre-College Chapter (JNHS) recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement and excellence in Japanese study by working with teachers and administrators to develop and maintain high standards of Japanese language education and promoting cultural activities. The Pre-College JNHS offers two separate Chapters: 1) JNHS Junior for middle/junior high schools and 2) JNHS Senior for senior high schools.

Students who are nominated for membership receive Certificates of Excellence and a cord (optional), and are recognized on the AATJ website and in its newsletter. Sponsoring instructors also receive recognition.

Schools offering both middle/junior high and senior high school level Japanese language classes may establish both JNHS Junior and JNHS Senior chapters within one school. Each JNHS chapter must operate independently. All accredited public and non-public middle/junior high and senior high schools are eligible to establish a chapter.

Academic criteria for student induction in JNHS are as follows:

• the student has completed the first term of his/her second-year Japanese language course in middle/junior high or a senior high school;
  
• the student has maintained a 3.5 GPA in Japanese courses and an overall 3.0 GPA.

In order to form a JNHS chapter and nominate students for membership and recognition, teachers must be members in good standing of AATJ. Sponsoring teachers then submit an application form together with a list of students and the applicable fee (annual $15 chapter fee; $5 per nominated student; and (optional) $5 each for red & white cords. Shipping and handling charges are included in the fee.



The application form comes in two formats:

• Microsoft Word Form you can download, fill out on your computer, and print.
  Type the information in the shaded boxes; tab between boxes.
  Download the application as a form here.
  
  
• Microsoft Word document you can download, print, and fill out by hand.
  Download the application as a document here.

Once the application and list of names have been received, a packet including certificates and cords for the students who are to be honored, suggested guidelines for a recognition ceremony, and a list of possible activities for the JNHS chapter will be sent to the instructor.

The AATJ office needs four weeks to process and mail certificates and other materials to participating teachers. Please be sure to send in your application at least four weeks before you plan to honor your students.

There is no fixed deadline for submitting applications.

For more information, contact Kathy Ajisaka at