NHS is more than just an honor roll. The National Honor Society membership is based upon a student's outstanding performance in the areas of scholarship, service, and leadership. These criteria for selection form the foundation upon which the organization and its activities are built.

Scholarship: Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 90.0 or higher meet the scholarship requirement for membership. These students are then eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership, and character.

Service: This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community without compensation.

Leadership: Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

Character: The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others.

Membership Selection Process
The selection of new members is determined by the CAHS Faculty Council (a five member selection committee that is appointed by the principal) and approved by the principal.

1. Junior and senior students’ academic records are reviewed in October to determine those persons, who are scholastically eligible for membership, i.e., those persons who meet the required 90.0 cumulative GPA standard.

2. Students who are eligible scholastically are notified in writing and informed that for further consideration for selection they must attend a meeting and complete the NHS Student Information Form. This form outlines the candidate's accomplishments in the areas of service and leadership.

3. All CAHS faculty members and Taft math teachers evaluate candidates’ character and leadership in the classroom using the Faculty Evaluation Form.

4. The Student Information Form and Faculty Evaluation Form will is reviewed by the Faculty Council, along with any other verifiable information about the candidates relevant to their consideration for membership. Those candidates who demonstrate outstanding leadership, character, and service and receive a majority vote of the Faculty Council are informed in writing about their selection and the induction ceremony.

5. Non-selected candidates are notified in writing prior to the notification of selected candidates.