Graduation Information

Early Graduation

The Board of Education believes that most students benefit from four years of high school experience and encourages students not to graduate early. However, in some cases, students need the challenge provided by postsecondary education or other opportunities at an earlier age. Students typically take eight (8) semester courses plus advisory each semester. Students may elect to take a ninth course offered during zero hour, when available and students meet the prerequisites. Therefore, a high school principal may grant permission to a student requesting early graduation provided they:

  1. Will have completed 22 credits by the completion of their Junior year
  2. Will complete all graduation requirements, including meeting all established proficiencies
  3. Have conferred with the high school counselor regarding early graduation plans and the feasibility of completing all graduation requirements early.
  4. Have received approval of a parent or guardian
  5. Will complete the Early Graduation Application

Any exception to the above listed is at the high school principal’s discretion

Academic Honors

The following criteria will be used to honor students during graduation ceremonies:

The student with the highest cumulative GPA will be named Class Valedictorian. In order to be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian, they will need to have attended that school full-time for the junior and senior year. Early graduates are not eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian.

  • Students who have achieved a weighted GPA of 4.1 or above will be honored as Summa Cum Laude
  • Students who have achieved a weighted GPA of 3.8 – 4.09 will be honored as Magna Cum Laude
  • Students who have achieved a weighted GPA of 3.5 – 3.79 will be honored as Cum Laude

Graduation Speaker

  • Any student who is a member of the senior class and who is eligible for graduation may apply to audition to give the commencement speech during the graduation ceremony.
  • The main goal of the speech will be to inspire the graduates and to thank individuals responsible for their successes while reflecting on the accomplishments of the class. Above all, the primary aim of the address is to allow a representative of the graduating class to bid a final farewell to the students and to the school, as the graduates prepare to disperse and to begin the next phase of their lives.
  • Auditions would be held in the spring at the discretion of each high school.
  • The committee that will hear the speeches and make recommendations for the graduation speaker may consist of faculty, administrators, counselors, and/or students.
  • The final decision for the graduation speaker will rest with the building principal.

SHS students: Students wishing to audition for the graduation speaker must sign up via the digital form distributed by the school in the spring of their senior year.

WHS students: Students wishing to audition for the graduation speaker must turn in a completed application to the main office.