School Awards

Graduation awards for seniors and juniors are for students of the highest academic and personal integrity. Grossmont staff considers students who respect the Honor Code and demonstrate exemplary citizenship, school service, and attendance for these awards.

NORMAN FREEMAN
The Norman Freeman award is the highest honor awarded at graduation each year. It is awarded to the student who most exemplifies the values, spirit and commitment of Norman Freeman. We look for an all-around leader who reflects these same ideals and dedication to Grossmont. The inscription on the trophy reads: “For the Grossmont student who has most strengthened democracy through participation and leadership.”

CIRCLE “G”
A pin and commendation is traditionally given at Grossmont to seniors for distinguished and extensive contributions to Grossmont throughout their high school career. This very special award is given to a limited number of students who have achieved all-around excellence in the areas of academics, leadership, citizenship and service.

PRINCIPAL’S LETTER OF COMMENDATION
Over the past four years these students have demonstrated leadership in many areas and have been highly successful with their academic studies. They have represented Grossmont in county and state competitions. Some have demonstrated outstanding talent with their individual and group performances. These students have made substantial contributions to Grossmont’s superior academics and student activities programs.

YOUNG MAN AND YOUNG WOMAN OF THE YEAR
This is an award given by Rotary to two students who have represented Grossmont with school service, spirit, academic achievement, and who are also very well respected by their peers, teachers and staff.

Juniors Honors

DAISY CHAIN
Daisy Chain honors the top 20 junior boys and top 20 junior girls by allowing them to hold the daisy chain and lead the seniors into the graduation ceremony. Students are selected by staff based on academic excellence (GPA), exemplary citizenship (staff recommendations), and school service and involvement (record of activities). Girls wear white dresses (no strapless or halters). Boys wear white tuxedos.

USHERS
During Daisy Chain selections, a group of approximately ten students are selected to be alternates for Daisy Chain and serve as ushers during graduation.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Information

A Valedictorian Selection Committee will select Valedictorian(s) from approximately the top one percent of the senior class, based on the accumulated transcript at the eighth semester, second progress report. The individual(s) with the highest-ranking grade point average(s) shall be included as a Valedictorian.
It is not the intent of this regulation to exclude students from consideration for Valedictorian for completing supplemental or elective course work. The deliberations may include additional students beyond the top one percent.

In choosing the Valedictorian(s), it is recommended that the Valedictorian Selection Committee consider the following criteria:

• Academic achievement and curiosity, not school service
• Behavior that reflects the highest ethical standards
• Breadth and depth of program, to include the number of courses completed and the number of AP and Honors courses completed

It is suggested that the Valedictorian Selection Committee be chaired by the Principal. It shall be composed of, but not limited to, representatives selected from the following departments and approved by the Principal: English, Social Science, Mathematics, Foreign Language, Science, Guidance/Counseling. There may or may not be a Salutatorian designated by the Committee.

Honor Graduate Information

Honor Graduates—Diploma-bound students who earn at least a 3.5 GPA and complete at least two years of coursework in this country qualify as honor graduates. Honor grad status is noted by a gold cord to be worn at graduation.