In the United States, an honor society is an organization that recognizes individuals who excel in various domains such as academics, leadership, and other personal achievements, not all of which are based on ranking systems. These societies acknowledge excellence among peers in diverse fields and circumstances. The Order of the Arrow, for example, is the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America. While the term commonly refers to scholastic honor societies, which primarily acknowledge students who excel academically or as leaders among their peers, it also applies to other types of societies.
"Honor Societies", illustration from the 1909 Tyee (yearbook of the University of Washington)
The Order of the Arrow (OA), previously known as Wimachtendienk Wingolauchsik Witahemui (WWW) is the honor society of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), composed of Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives as elected by their peers. Started as a Camp Fraternity by E. Urner Goodman, with the assistance of Carroll A. Edson, in 1915, its goal was to reinforce the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Started without approval of Boy Scouts of America (BSA), it became an "Official Experiment" of the scouting organization. In 1948, following an extensive review, it officially became a program of Boy Scouts of America.
Nominees line up behind the fire during a Call-Out in 2016
Presentation of the Annual Report to President Trump in 2020, with a scout wearing the Vigil Honor white sash
Two Arrowmen working on a trail in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
1969 Order of the Arrow Brotherhood Card featuring a drawing of a Native American Chief