The Bylaws and Constitution of the
SOCIEDAD
HONORARIA HISPÁNICA
Lawrence E. Elkins High School
Lazarillo de Tormes
By Jasmine Adaya Morales
President 2013-2015
Article I
Name and Classification
Section 1. The name of this organization is the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, also known as the
Spanish National Honor Society. It will be referred to in this document as “the Society”.
Section 2. The purpose of the Society is to recognize high achievement in Spanish by students of
secondary schools and to promote continuity of interest in Hispanic studies.
Section 3. The Society is classified as a national and international academic honor society in the study
of high school Spanish and is sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and
Portuguese, Inc. (AATSP).
Section 4. Each unit of the Society in high school is designated a Chapter. The name of the Chapter,
preferably that of an important Hispanic literary or historical figure, shall be chosen by the Chapter
Sponsor.
Article II
Qualification of Secondary Schools and Chapter Sponsors
Section 1. All accredited public and non-public secondary schools are eligible for membership in the
Society. Application for membership from a secondary school seeking a Chapter is made on an official
form provided by the National Director.
Section 2. The initial charter fee for school membership is established by the National Council. No
monthly or annual dues or assessments are charged the schools affiliated with the Society.
Section 3. In order to remain an Active Chapter of the Society, the Chapter Sponsor must remit student
membership fees to the National Director each school year, together with the names of the respective
students to be initiated.
Section 4. If a Chapter fails to initiate at least one member each school year, the Chapter is placed on
inactive status. In order to reinstate the Chapter to active status a reactivation fee must be paid. If the
chapter remains inactive for five years or more, it will result in withdrawal.
Section 5. A sponsor who does not have an Active Chapter may affiliate with another one in the area to
promote Chapter activities.
Article III
Qualification for Chapter Membership
Section 1. A student that is currently enrolled in a high school who has maintained a minimum of an 85
in a Spanish III Pre-AP, Spanish IV AP, and Spanish V AP, will be eligible to be a member of the
Chapter.
Section 2. The Society does not conduct business with students or parents. All local decisions
concerning membership are to be handled by the Chapter sponsors in accordance to school policies,
which include decisions from the Principal or Department Chair.
Section 3. The student membership fee will have to be paid, which is established by the National
Council. Each student will receive a Certificate of Membership during Induction.
Section 4. A member is still eligible to be a member after they are done with Spanish Studies. Minimum
of Spanish III and an 85 or above, as a year average. Member will still have to do qualifications to stay
active in the SNHS.
Section 5. A member may be removed from the Chapter at the discretion of the Chapter Sponsors for
failure to maintain an honor average, misconduct, or other serious infraction.
Section 6. Doing what is required by the SNHS Sponsors and officers, the member will be able to get
inducted and getting a Certificate of Membership.
To be Eligible for the Society students must meet all the following criteria:
1) Student must have passed Spanish III Pre-AP with an 85 or above.
2) If student is currently enrolled in a Spanish III Pre-AP, Spanish IV AP, or Spanish V the student
must keep an 85 or above in a Report Card. (Same for transfer students).
3) Student must never fail a class due to attendance.
4) Student must have a minimum of 5 hours per semester.
5) Student must stay in the meeting until it is over.
6) Student can only miss one meeting per semester.
Article IV
National Organization
Section 1. The Society consists of the National Council and School Chapters.
Section 2. All elected officers are chosen by current officers, due to an interview.
Article V
Powers and Duties of the Officers
Section 1. The President shall be the chief executive officer and the official representative of the
Society. The president has to go all Officer Meetings and pertain his/her duties. The President must
be informed of all that happens in the Chapter. The President will be elected to be officer until
he/she graduates from high school. The term of office begins the first day of school on the upcoming
year.
Section 2. The Vice President performs the duties of the President if the latter is unable to serve.
The Vice President must remain informed about all actions that happen in the Chapter. The Vice
president must remain in the same office until he/she graduates from high school.
Section 3. The Secretary will have to do anything that the Vice President won’t be able to do. Help
with paperwork or give any ideas for the Chapter. The Secretary must remain until he/she graduates.
Section 4. The Treasurer will keep money and financing organized. He/she must be able to give
ideas for fundraising and keep money in order with the Sponsors. The Treasurer must remain in
office until he/she graduates.
Section 5. The Reporter must be able to make paperwork and write down what has been done in
each meeting. The Reporter must keep a binder for every idea, and also help to inform members
about meetings, volunteer opportunities, and announcements.
Section 6. The Social Chair must make socials for members. The Social Chair will help the
Reporter with anything that he/she was unable to do. Social chair will be able to help with events
and coordinate with members.
Article VI
Insignia
Section 1. The motto of the Society is: Todos a una.
Section 2. The colors of the Society are Red and Yellow.
Section 3. The flower of the society is the Carnation.
Section 4. The Coat of Arms will be in the Certificate of Membership to show that it is official, to
be a member of the SNHS.
Article VII
Amendments and Passing of Laws.
Section 1. Any proposed amendment to this constitution must be signed by three officers and a
Chapter Sponsor. To be allowed in the Chapter.
Section 2. The Chapter has to keep a copy of the bylaws and Constitution, regarding the name of
the Chapter, qualifications, and reason from removal in the Chapter.
Article VIII
Chapter Regulations
Section 1. Dues will be collected by Sponsors, so students can be members.
Section 2. The Chapter will not impose any obligations of secrecy among its members and
officers.
Section 3. With the approval of the Chapter sponsor and school authorities, a Chapter may adopt
projects for raising funds or advancing the cause of the Hispanic Studies. With the purpose of the
Society.
Section 4. No student can be initiated before the student’s name and initiation fee are submitted to
the National Director.
Section 5. Induction ceremonies shall follow the official ritual, unless given permission from
National Director for a substitute form.
Section 6. The secretary of the Chapter will keep complete records of all meetings, projects, and
services rendered by each chapter.
Section 7. The Chapter should promote the Society not only in Spanish classes, but in the
community.
Section 8. The Chapter Sponsors will type and send the names of the members to the National
Director with the student membership fees.
Section 9. Sponsors of active Chapter members will award Certificado de Servicios to initiative
members. Who have rendered meritorious service to their Chapter.
Section 10. Sponsors of active Chapters may award the Premio de Honor to the best graduating
Senior member of the Chapter. The Chapter may only award one per year.
Article IX
Meetings and Volunteer Hours
Section 1. Members must attend at least 4 meetings per semester.
Section 2. Members must stay in the meeting the whole time, until it ends.
Section 3. Members may only miss one meeting
Section 4. There will be a minimum of 5 volunteering opportunities given each semester, by
officers. One is, tutoring a student on a certain day, while being watched by an Officer.