The theme for the DeSales chapter of National Honor Society for this school year is Stewardship. As stated in the Bishop Ireton handbook, "We are stewards of God’s creation. We have the duty and responsibility to care for all the gifts that God has given us." In the spirit of caring for what belongs to us-our school, Honor Society members will fulfill a 10 hour service requirement each semester by serving as runners, picking up newspapers for recycling and helping with the school clean-up day as well as other projects. Faculty, administration or staff of Bishop Ireton must sign off all service hours.

Junior and senior students with a cumulative average of 3.5 or higher are eligible to apply for membership in the DeSales Chapter of the National Honor Society. Letters inviting these students to apply will be sent to advisories on  October 7. Students will be evaluated based upon their leadership, service, character and scholarship. The following are the rubrics that will be used to help determine membership into the National Honor Society. These rubrics are based on the guidelines in the National Honor Society handbook. Students will be expected to receive a minimum score of 9 from a committee composed of the NHS advisors and selected faculty members. In addition, students will also submit evidence for consideration in the form of an application.

4. The student exercises leadership in a variety of ways and in a variety of circumstances. He/she works to be a positive influence on his/her peers and, in turn, is regarded positively by peers.

3. The student exercises leadership only in limited circumstances, but is dependable, responsible, and positive. He/she may be willing to be a leader or to lead by example. He/she is a positive influence on others and contributes to the well-being of the school.

2. He/she is dependable and responsible, but hesitates to demonstrate initiative or contribute ideas. The student is easily influenced by others rather than being willing to lead or influence others.

1. The student is unwilling to accept any kind of leadership role, formal or informal. His/her peers do not regard him/her positively.

2. The student willingly and cheerfully volunteers for service either in organized activities or in informal situations. He/she generally demonstrates courtesy, respect, dependability, and enthusiasm and is able to work well with others.

1. The student renders service to others, but usually only when asked. He/she may be undependable in difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities. The student is generally more motivated by personal gain than by a willing heart.

1. The student is unwilling to volunteer significant service to others.

1. The student almost always demonstrates the six qualities of character and generally makes choices that reflect these standards for morality and ethics and respect for authority. He/she is truthful, cooperative, courteous, and respectful.

1. The student understands the qualities of character and in guided or supervised situations will make choices that reflect high standards. His/her behavior at school, work, church, or home may not be consistent with behavior in other circumstances.

1. The student’s behavior, attitudes, and choices reflect negative character traits. He/she shows little regard for authority or for principles or morality and ethics and is a negative influence on his/her peers.