Since 1925, the National Speech & Debate Association's Honor Society members have reflected the highest standards of integrity, humility, respect, leadership, and service. Becoming a member is an chance to be involved in a national honor society regardless of your GPA. You earn points for competition and service to the team and your community. The more points you earn, the higher your degree. Honor Society members may become eligible for special awards and scholarship opportunities, and can wear an honor cord at graduation.
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why is the honor society important? |
how do i become a member? |
Earning Points and Degrees reflects your individual growth and achievement as well as your commitment to your team and the speech & debate community. Being a member of a national honor society also helps with college admissions and scholarship applications. In addition, the whole team advances as a result of your success. For example, we are awarded Districts entries based on how many degrees we earn as a team during the year. Even if you only compete at a few tournaments, you are making an important contribution to the team's success!
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To become a member, you only need to earn 25 merit points through speech and debate competition, as well as community service, public speaking, and leadership activities. Student members must agree to abide by the NSDA's Code of Honor. Each December, we hold an induction ceremony in the auditorium to welcome new members. You receive a certificate signed by the NSDA president and are awarded a new seal for each new degree. Students participating in post-season Districts tournaments will also receive a special pin signifying their degree to wear at competitions.
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code of honor
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points & degrees
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“As a member of the National Speech & Debate Association, I pledge to uphold the highest standards of integrity, humility, respect, leadership and service in the pursuit of excellence.”
Integrity: An honor society member obeys the highest ethical standards and adheres to the rules of the organization. Members recognize that integrity is central to earning the trust, respect, and support of one’s peers. Integrity encompasses the highest regard for honesty, civility, justice, and fairness. Humility: A member does not regard him or herself more highly than others. Regardless of a person’s level of success, he or she always looks beyond oneself to appreciate the inherent value of others. Respect: A member respects individual differences and fosters diversity. He or she promotes tolerance, inclusion, and empowerment for people from a variety of backgrounds. Leadership: A member influences others to take positive action toward productive change. Members commit to thoughtful and responsible leadership that promotes the other core values in the Code of Honor. Service: A member exercises the talents he or she has been given to provide service to his or her peers, community, and the activity. At all times a member is prepared to work constructively to improve the lives of others. Adopted September 23, 2007 © National Speech & Debate Association |
Graduation Honor Cords
The National Speech & Debate Association is proud to offer honor cords for its members to wear during high school graduation ceremonies. Honor cords recognize member accomplishments and affirm their commitment to speech and debate education. To be eligible to wear an honor cord, seniors must have been continuously involved with the team, helped with the Pattonville tournament in each year of their involvement, and earned at least 150 points in their senior year. |
Academic All American
The Academic All American award recognizes students who have earned the degree of Superior Distinction (750 points); completed at least 5 semesters of high school; demonstrated outstanding character and leadership; and earned a GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent). NOTE: If the GPA is between 3.5 and 3.7 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent), students also must have received an ACT score of 27 or higher, or a New SAT score of 1300 or higher. Academic All Americans also automatically earn a plaque on Pattonville's Wall of Fame. |
District Student of the Year
The District Student of the Year award is presented to a graduating senior in our NSDA district who best represents the tenets of the Association’s Code of Honor: integrity, respect, humility, leadership, and service. Nominees must also demonstrate strong academic credentials and a commitment to the speech and debate community. Each year, six students who win the district award are selected as finalists for the William Woods Tate, Jr., National Student of the Year award. |
Student Leadership Committee
One of the biggest honors our students can achieve is to serve on our Student Leadership Committee. The SLC gives current sophomore, junior, and senior students the opportunity to complete a series of web-based trainings on leadership. Additionally, member students are expected to provide service to the speech and debate community and to the student’s broader local community. |