Noblesse Oblige Since 1921, the National Honor Society has impacted communities from all corners of the world by means of scholarship, great character, leadership and service. This organization was founded by Dr. Edward Rynearson, principal of the Fifth Avenue High School in Pittsburgh. From the beginning, the four main guided purposes of NHS have been to: create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote leadership, and develop character in the students of secondary school. NHS is an organization of students that have excellent academic standing as well as service to their school and community.
The NHS motto noblesse oblige which is French for “nobility obligates,” is defined by The Dictionnaire de l'Académie
The NHS motto noblesse oblige which is French for “nobility obligates,” is defined by The Dictionnaire de l'Académie