Logo & Brand Assets Guidance 

The National Honor Society (NHS®), National Junior Honor Society (NJHS®), National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS®), and National Association of Student Councils (NASC®) names, logos, emblems, and insignias (collectively “Brand Assets”) are registered trademarks owned by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), doing business as the National Principals Association (NPA).  

Our Brand Assets symbolize quality, leadership, and educational excellence. Protecting these assets ensures consistency, prevents unauthorized commercial exploitation, and preserves brand integrity across all student leadership programs.  

Who Can Use Our Brand Assets? 

Permission to use NPA Brand Assets depends on who you are and how the assets will be used: 

  • Local Chapters & School Advisers: Granted a limited license to use official program names and logos for non-commercial educational and promotional purposes (e.g., chapter recruitment, event banners, school publications, and chapter websites) without prior written approval, provided visual identity guidelines are followed.  
  • Commercial Vendors & Third Parties: Strictly prohibited from manufacturing, marketing, selling, or distributing any items bearing our Brand Assets unless explicitly authorized in writing by the NPA.  
  • Students & Parents: Must purchase official merchandise and regalia directly through the online store. Independent production or third-party sourcing (e.g., via Amazon or local printers) is strictly prohibited.  

Logo Standards & Integrity 

To maintain the integrity of our visual identity, all uses of our Brand Assets must comply with our brand standards:  

  • No Alterations: Logos and emblems may not be redrawn, distorted, recolored, stretched, or combined with other graphic elements to create a new mark.  
  • Approved Artwork Only: Always use official, high-resolution original digital logo files.  
  • Co-Branding: Combining program logos with school logos, mascots, sponsor marks, or commercial brands requires prior written approval via the Logo Usage Request Form.  
  • Trademark Symbols: Approved digital and print uses should display the registered symbol (®) or trademark symbol (™) where applicable.  

Digital and Website Guidelines 

Local chapters may display approved program logos on official school or chapter websites and social media channels under the following conditions:  

  1. Approved Visuals: Logos must strictly adhere to visual identity standards and remain unaltered.  
  1. Attribution Statement: Where practical, digital properties must include the following legal notice in the footer or site terms:  

“National Honor Society®, NHS®, National Junior Honor Society®, NJHS®, National Elementary Honor Society®, NEHS®, National Student Council®, NASC®, and related marks are trademarks owned by the National Principals Association® (NPA) or National Association of Secondary School Principals® (NASSP). Unauthorized use is prohibited.” 

Official Merchandise & Online Store 

To protect product quality and generate revenue that directly support student scholarships and leadership programs, official merchandise is distributed exclusively through our store. 

Official Items Include: 

  • Graduation regalia, stoles, honor cords, and medallions  
  • Induction ceremony materials, certificates, and recognition awards  
  • Jewelry, pins, and patches  
  • Program apparel collections and promotional giveaways  

Important: No individual, chapter, or vendor may produce or source these items independently. Requests for exceptions are considered only in limited circumstances where an official product is unavailable, and no authorized fulfillment option exists.  

Requesting Custom Merchandise or Commercial Approval 

If a chapter wishes to produce custom merchandise not offered in the online store, or if a commercial vendor seeks permission to use a logo, an official request must be submitted prior to production by submitting a Logo Usage Request Form or by contacting our office here.  

  • Request Form: Submit details using the Merchandise Request Form / Logo Usage Request Form. This page can be found after logging in with your adviser membership credentials.  
  • Processing Time: Requests are typically processed within 10 business days.  
  • Approval Terms: Written approval must be received before manufacturing, customizing, or marketing begins. Approval is discretionary, granted for a specific product, vendor, and quantity, and does not grant ongoing rights.  

Prohibited Uses & Enforcement 

Brand Assets may not be used in connection with:  

  • Political campaigns or candidate endorsements  
  • Unauthorized commercial or fundraising activities  
  • Any activity that is unlawful, discriminatory, or inconsistent with the mission and values of the NPA  

Intellectual Property Enforcement 

The National Principals Association actively monitors the use of its trademarks. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or sourcing of Brand Assets may result in:  

  • Revocation of chapter status  
  • Disqualification of commercial vendors  
  • Takedown demands on ecommerce platforms and social channels  
  • Legal action under applicable trademark and intellectual property laws