ACADEMIC RECOGNITION
Thomas County Central High School continues to find ways to recognize students for academic excellence and for extraordinary efforts made in the field of education. There are several programs throughout the year that will give students an opportunity to receive recognition.
Annual Awards Programs:
Annual recognition programs are held during the spring to recognize students in all curriculum areas. Both scholarship and meritorious awards are given to express the school’s pride in student accomplishments and to encourage them to remain committed to excellence.
All “A” Luncheon:
Students are given the opportunity to enjoy lunch together off campus during the school day for achieving an all “A” nine weeks report card.
Pops from Pop:
Students passing all classes at the end of each nine week period may present their report card and receive a lollipop from Mr. Delaney, Poppa D, during their lunch period.
Academic Rewards Card:
The Academic Rewards card is an incentive-based program that rewards students for meeting four criteria. If a student has no discipline referrals, is passing all classes, has maintained an 80 cumulative grade point average, and does not have more than three absences, then a rewards card is given to the student. The rewards card grants students free food and discounts from local businesses as well as entry into a school sporting event. One of the best rewards is that students are allowed to leave class early for lunch. Academic rewards cards are given out each nine weeks grading period.
Governor’s Honors Program (GHP):
The Governor’s Honors Program is a summer enrichment program for rising juniors and seniors. Teachers nominate talented students for consideration in academic, fine arts, and vocational areas. Counselors invite nominated students to apply for GHP and proceed through a selection process. All sophomores and juniors who seek to be nominated for GHP must have taken the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) in October or the SAT.
STAR Student:
The system STAR student is the senior who ranks among the top ten percent of the senior class during his/her senior year and who has the highest score on the SAT. To be eligible for STAR student status, a student must remain in school his/her senior year. This is a requirement of PAGE, the sponsoring agency. Students’ scores may be submitted from any one administration of the SAT taken prior to and including the November test date of the senior year. Scores earned after November of the senior year will not be considered for the STAR program.
Local Scholarships:
Numerous scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors. In the early fall, scholarships and financial aid information concerning criteria and procedures for applying will be given to graduating seniors by the guidance office. It is extremely important that seniors stay in close contact with their counselor concerning post-secondary plans. Students who have received scholarships are to report this information to their counselor.
National Merit Scholarship:
To qualify for a National Merit Scholarship, students must take the PSAT during their junior year.