National Junior Honor Society: Letter Of Recommendation Template

The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) letter of Recommendation is a crucial document that can significantly impact a student’s application. It serves as a testament to their character, academic achievements, and contributions to the school and community. Crafting a compelling letter that effectively showcases a student’s strengths requires careful consideration and a professional approach. This guide will provide insights into the key elements that contribute to a powerful NJHS Letter of Recommendation.

1. Clear and Concise Formatting

Professionalism begins with impeccable presentation. The letter should adhere to a clean and consistent format.

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Font: Choose a professional and easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Maintain a consistent font size throughout the document, typically between 10 and 12 points.

Spacing: Double-space the entire letter, including the date, salutation, body paragraphs, and closing. Use single-spacing for the letterhead and return address.

Margins: Standard margins of 1 inch on all sides create a balanced and visually appealing layout.

Letterhead: If available, include the school letterhead at the top of the page. This adds a touch of formality and enhances the letter’s credibility.

2. Compelling Letterhead Design

The letterhead serves as the visual identity of the school and should reflect its professionalism.

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School Logo: Incorporate the school logo prominently in the letterhead. Ensure it is clear, high-resolution, and appropriately sized.

School Name and Address: Include the full name of the school, address, phone number, and email address.

Department (Optional): If applicable, include the department of the recommender (e.g., “Department of English,” “Guidance Department”).

3. Professional Salutation

The salutation sets the tone for the letter.

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Formal Address: Begin with “Dear [Recipient Name],” followed by their title (e.g., “Dear [Recipient Name], Chairperson of the NJHS Selection Committee”).

Personalization: If possible, address the letter to a specific individual on the selection committee. This demonstrates a personalized approach and shows respect for the recipient.

4. Engaging Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph should immediately capture the reader’s attention and establish the recommender’s credibility.

Clear Introduction: Begin by stating your position and relationship with the student. For example, “I am [Your Name], [Your Title] at [School Name], and I have had the pleasure of teaching [Student Name] in [Course Name] for the past [Number] years.”

Enthusiastic Endorsement: Express your genuine enthusiasm for the student and their candidacy. Highlight their positive qualities and potential for success in NJHS.

5. Detailed and Specific Evidence

The body paragraphs should provide concrete evidence of the student’s qualifications.

Academic Excellence: Emphasize the student’s strong academic performance. Mention specific achievements such as high grades, honors courses, and participation in academic competitions.

Leadership and Character: Describe the student’s leadership qualities and character traits. Provide specific examples of their leadership roles in school activities, clubs, or community organizations.

Service and Citizenship: Highlight the student’s commitment to service and citizenship. Describe their volunteer work, community involvement, and contributions to the school environment.

Personal Qualities: Mention positive personal qualities such as responsibility, integrity, perseverance, and a strong work ethic.

6. Conclusive Closing Paragraph

The closing paragraph should summarize the student’s qualifications and reiterate your strong recommendation.

Reiterate Support: Reiterate your strong support for the student’s application to NJHS. Emphasize their potential to contribute positively to the organization.

Contact Information: Provide your contact information for any further inquiries.

Formal Closing: End with a formal closing such as “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” or “Best regards.”

Typed Name and Signature: Type your full name and sign the letter in blue or black ink.

7. Proofreading and Editing

Before submitting the letter, meticulous proofreading and editing are essential.

Accuracy: Carefully review the letter for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or typos.

Clarity: Ensure that the language is clear, concise, and easy to understand.

Professionalism: Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter, avoiding overly informal or casual language.

By carefully considering these elements, educators can craft a compelling NJHS Letter of Recommendation that effectively showcases a student’s strengths and increases their chances of acceptance.

This guide provides a framework for creating a professional and impactful NJHS Letter of Recommendation. Remember to tailor each letter to the specific student and their unique accomplishments.