Graduation

Students who complete graduation requirements during the regular school year are eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony. If requirements are not met during the regular school year, students will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Students completing graduation requirements during the summer term will be eligible to participate in the summer graduation ceremony. Honor graduates will be denoted in the graduation program.

Honor Graduate Recognition

• Graduates with a 3.8 GPA or higher will be recognized as Honor Graduates.
• With the exception of class speakers, all students (including Honor Graduates) will be seated alphabetically regardless of class rank.
• Honor Graduates will be denoted in the graduation program.

Graduate of Distinction

The following criteria will be need to be met by each student:

Academic

• Cumulative grade point average of 3.8 orhigher or,
• Score 1250 or higher on SAT using any twoof the subtests, or at least one of the subtests or,
• Score 28 or higher on the ACT compositescore or,
• Earn a state or national academicaward/office and 3.5 GPA

Service-Learning or Volunteering

• Student will have to complete at least 40 hours

Extracurricular Activities

• Students will be expected to participate in a minimum of two activities during their junior or senior year

Students will be recognized with a medallion, or similar item, and reception. The School Board, administration from each school, and parents of Graduates of Distinctions will be invited to the event.

Students must complete an application and maintain a HCPS provided volunteer hour log and extra-curricular activity log. Completed applications and student logs should be turned in January 9, 2027 to guidance.

The Graduate of Distinction application and student logs may be found at https://www.henry.k12.va.us/students/high-school-students/graduate-of-distinction.

Definitions

Standard Unit of Credit: A standard unit of credit is awarded for a course in which the student successfully completes the objectives of the course.

Verified Unit of Credit: In accordance with 8VAC20-131-110(B) of the Standards of Accreditation, a "verified unit of credit" or "verified credit" is a credit awarded for a course in which a student earns a standard unit of credit and completes one of the following:

• Achieves a passing score on a corresponding end-of-course SOL test.
• Achieves a passing score on an additional test, as defined in 8VAC20-131-5, as a part of the Virginia Assessment Program.
• Meets the criteria for the receipt of a locally awarded verified credit (see below) when the student has not passed a corresponding SOL test.

HCPS students earn a verified credit in English writing by passing an assessment that complies with guidelines adopted by the Board of Education.

Sequential Electives: Sequential electives are defined as two years of study in a focused sequence of elective courses.