Graduation
HONOR GRADUATE RECOGNITION PROTOCOL
Implementing the Latin Honors System (Beginning 2018-2019 School Year)
Policy 3450: Class Ranking and Achievement
While class ranking is used to measure academic performance, the Wilkes County Board of Education also recognizes other valuable means of evaluating student achievement, including grade point average, the rigor of the curriculum, and results of assessments.
Important Change: High school principals shall no longer use class rank to designate a valedictorian or salutatorian.
Designated Senior Honors (Beginning Class of 2019)
| DISTINCTION | REQUIRED WEIGHTED GPA |
|---|---|
| Cum Laude | 3.5 – 3.99 weighted grade point average |
| Magna Cum Laude | 4.00 – 4.249 weighted grade point average |
| Summa Cum Laude | 4.25 or higher weighted grade point average |
Principals shall ensure that class ranking is computed in accordance with State Board of Education Policy GCS-L-004. Nothing in this policy provides a student with any legal entitlement to a particular class rank or title.
Timeline for Determining Honor Graduates
- Semester 1 Completion: GPA/ranking report is run for all juniors and seniors to determine **Junior Marshals** and the initial **Honors Graduate List** for program preparations.
- Semester 2 Final Grades: Counselors run the GPA report after grades are finalized. Students earning honors recognition in the second semester will be announced as an honor graduate and receive the **correct graduation regalia** (cord, collar, etc.). Note: Their name will not be printed in the program due to program printing deadlines.
- Diploma Emblems: All honor graduates will receive an **emblem on the diploma** designating the honor distinction.
Junior Marshals Selection
The weighted GPA will be calculated at the end of the **1st semester of the junior year**. Marshals will be determined starting with the student having the **highest weighted GPA** and continuing down the list until the appropriate number of students has been chosen.