Graduating feels exciting, but walking the stage does not. Tripping sheds light on the number one fear of graduating. Having a handful of extra cords around your neck while tripping might make the embarrassment a little lighter. I am here to inform students about all the ways to obtain cords for graduation or you could buy a few on Amazon if you happen to not be a big reader (if you can get away with it).
National Honors Society (NHS)- Gold
By being in NHS, students have the opportunity to wear a gold cord around their neck if they keep up with a few requirements including being a junior/senior and maintaining a 3.5 GPA to be eligible for admission. Students must uphold the qualities of leadership and character by maintaining a clean behavioral record and demonstrating a commitment to service by completing a minimum of 12 hours of community/volunteer service during their senior year.
Although there are separate requirements for the specific National Honors Societies a lot of the requirements happen to be the same, but go without the volunteer hours.
Contact: Amy Eckart
Math NHS – Light Blue and Gold
A student must be currently enrolled in an advanced mathematics course beyond geometry (so currently enrolled in Accelerated Algebra II, Accelerated Precalculus, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, College Algebra). Maintained enrollment in advanced mathematics courses and maintained the minimum GPA over the year (or years if students joined before senior year). Attend a minimum of three meetings per semester.
Contact: Jodi Penn
Science NHS – Purple, Green and Gold
“All applicants must be currently enrolled in an accelerated or AP science class. Seniors must have at least two accelerated or AP-level science classes taken before or during senior year. Juniors must have at least two accelerated or AP-level science classes taken before or during junior year. Sophomores must have a teacher reference,” said Jacobson.
Contact: Mesa Jacobson
English NHS – Royal Blue and Gold
“The requirements for our chapter include enrollment in an AP English course (AP Lang, AP Lit, AP Seminar, AP Research),” said Klawonn.
Contact: Sara Klawonn
S.S. NHS – Royal Blue and White
“At least one semester of attendance at LHS, three completed in-person social studies credits, with preparation of completing Economics and/or AP Macroeconomics, 3.0 GPA or higher. Participation in activities that demonstrate civic engagement in school and community,” said Harte.
Contact: Roxy Harte
Music NHS – Pink
For music, there are different requirements to achieve the cords for orchestra, band and choir. To qualify for the pink chord in orchestra students must be a senior, they must be a member of at least one year in All-State Orchestra and they must be a member of Honors Orchestra. For band: students must be a senior and must be a member of at least one year in either All-State Band, All-State Orchestra or All-State Jazz Band. For choir: students must be a senior, a member of Concert Choir for two years and they must be a member of at least one year in All-State Chorus or SD Honor Choir.
Contact – Jacob Noordemeier and Rogene Brown
Seal of Biliteracy – Red, White and Black
Successful completion of a four-year high school course of study in a world language and attaining an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above. Passing a school district language exam that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading and writing passing at a proficient level or higher.
Spanish NHS – Light Blue
Junior/Senior currently enrolled in a level three or higher in Spanish language course, maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 and a 3.5 GPA in three semesters of language courses and must be a student of good character.
Contact: Kimberly Tollinger
AP Achievement Award – White
“AP Achiever requires a 3.5 GPA (unweighted) and three AP tests in different subject areas (i.e. math, science & english),” said Morrison.
Contact: Adam Morrison
Journalism (NSPA) – Teal
National Scholastic Press Association gives this award. Students need to obtain and maintain a 3.5 GPA in Statesman for two years.
Contact : Dr. Katie Kroeze
