Graduation Recognition and Academic Awards

Graduation Recognition

Valedictorian

The Valedictorian is an honor granted to the member of the graduating class who has the highest weighted GPA. The Valedictorian will be selected based on a weighted GPA as calculated in Infinite Campus at the time of the closing of the last grading period before graduation. In order to be eligible for Valedictorian, the student must have attended a minimum of three full semesters at the campus from which the student will graduate as well as be in good standing at the time of selection and at the time of graduation.

Salutatorian

The Salutatorian is an honor granted to the member of the graduating class with the second-highest weighted GPA. The salutatorian will be selected based on a weighted GPA as calculated in Infinite Campus at the time of the closing of the last grading period before graduation. To be eligible for Salutatorian, the student must have attended a minimum of three full semesters at the campus from which the student will graduate as well as be in good standing at the time of selection and at the time of graduation.

Academic Awards

Cum Laude

Cum Laude is an academic award given to graduates indicating the student has graduated “with praise” or “with honors”. Cum Laude will be given to the top 25% of the graduating students in a graduating class based on their weighted GPA and whose weighted GPA is at least a 3.5. The GPA will be calculated at time of the closing of the last grading period before graduation. All students who have met the graduation requirements and will be graduating with their cohort at an ALA school will be eligible for this award.

Magna Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude is an academic award given to graduates indicating the student has graduated “with great praise” or “with great honors”. Magna Cum Laude will be given to the top 10% of the graduating students in a graduating class based on their weighted GPA and whose weighted GPA is at least a 3.8. The GPA will be calculated at time of the closing of the last grading period before graduation. All students who have met the graduation requirements and will be graduating with their cohort at an ALA school will be eligible for this award.

Summa Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude is an academic award giving to graduates indicating the student has graduated “with highest praise” or “with highest honors”. Summa Cum Laude will be given to the top 5% of the graduating students in a graduating class based on their weighted GPA and whose weighted GPA is at least a 4.0. The GPA will be calculated at time of the closing of the last grading period before graduation. All students who have met the graduation requirements and will be graduating with their cohort at an ALA school will be eligible for this award.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Ensure I Graduate on Time?

A student's 4 Year Plan, also known as the ECAP, is important to outline for all the academics necessary for graduation and the post education plan such as a 4 year degree or running a family business. The courses a student takes throughout high school are important to ensure they meet Arizona requirements as well as courses with purpose for the goals the student wishes to achieve. We recommend completing an ECAP worksheet (High School page link) to identify each course and the year in which to take the course. Adding up all the credits will ensure the total necessary are identified to complete graduation requirements on time.

Visit our Pathway to Graduation page for detailed guidance and a step-by-step preparation checklist.

Who Do I Speak With About Schedule Changes?

How Do I Change My Diploma Type or Track for Graduation?

Changing the diploma track would be done in consultation with the Student Services Advisor. The ECAP worksheets can help outline the necessary courses and requirements for the diploma track. We encourage families to complete one of these worksheets and then meet with the Student Services Advisor to make the change of the diploma. Once the change is made, students and parents can see the updated progress of the diploma track on the Parent or Student Portal.

How Do I Set up an Appointment With My Student Services Advisor?

How Do I Request My Former Transcripts?

What Are Special Recognitions in High School and How Can I Earn Them?

Special recognitions in high school, such as Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Latin honors (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude), are awarded based on academic achievement and GPA rankings. To earn these distinctions, students should focus on maintaining a strong weighted GPA and meeting the eligibility criteria outlined by the school. Participation in Career and Technical Education (CTE) academies or other programs may also contribute to achieving these honors. For more details on how to qualify for these recognitions consult with your Student Services Advisor.

Students: Last Names Starting With A-L

Norine Oborn
Academic Advisor
noborn@alaschools.org

Students: Last Names Starting With M-Z

Kristin Penrod, MSW, MBA
Assistant Director of Student Services
kpenrod@alaschools.org

Junior High

Hunter Dapkus
Academic Counselor
hdapkus@alaschools.org

Ironwood

Students: Last Names Starting With A-L

Grace Wood
Academic Counselor
gwood@alaschools.org

Students: Last Names Starting With G-N

Lorna Jones
Academic Counselor
ljones@alaschools.org

Students: Last Names Starting With O-Z

Amber Linderholm
Assistant Director of Student Services
alinderholm@alaschools.org

Mesa North

Queen Creek

Students: Last Names Starting With A-L

Tamarah Taylor
Academic Counselor
tamarahtaylor@alaschools.org

Students: Last Names Starting With G-N

Daniela Lujan
Assistant Director of Student Services
daniela.lujan@alaschools.org

Students: Last Names Starting With O-Z

Artensia Kennedy
Academic Counselor