Student Recognition

Holly High School recognizes its students for their devotion to learning and the acquisition of knowledge as demonstrated by their outstanding scholarly achievements. The professional staff, in its decision to award an academic distinction to those students who qualify, is trying to reinforce the belief that knowledge is strength and that the effort put forth in gaining that knowledge is admirable and worthy of recognition. These are highly prestigious awards. 

Students will earn both a weighted and an unweighted grade point average (GPA) that will be reflected on their transcript.

Unweighted Scale - 4.0

- - A  4.0 A- 3.7
B+ 3.4 B 3.0 B- 2.7
C+ 2.4 C 2.0 C- 1.7
D+ 1.4 D 1.0 D- 0.7
- - E 0.0 - -

 

Weighted Scale - 5.0*^

- - A 5.0 A- 4.7
B+ 4.4 B 4.0 B- 3.7
C+ 3.4 C 3.0 C- 2.7
D+ 2.4 D 2.0 D- 1.7
- - E 1.0 - -

 

*Passing marks are A through D
^Weighted grading scale will only be used in AP courses

To be eligible for an academic award a student must be enrolled at Holly High School for a period of at least four consecutive trimesters and must complete at least five classes in the given term.

Senior Scholars (Weighted GPA)

  • To be eligible for Senior Scholar recognition, a student must complete their high school career with a minimum 3.5 (weighted) GPA. 
  • Senior Scholars are ranked using a formula which incorporates both GPA and SAT score. 
  • Senior Scholar ranking: (GPA x 1200) + (SAT Score) = Senior Points (6400 points possible)
  • Students who score at least 5700 points are named Senior Scholars.  They receive medallions, mention in a district press release, and recognition in the graduation ceremony and program. 
  • A student may submit valid SAT retake scores through April 1st of their Senior year.

Freshman, Sophomore and Junior scholars will use the same criteria listed above, however the PSAT assessment score will be used in place of the SAT score. These students will be recognized annually during the fall academic awards ceremony.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian are recognized as the number one (1) and two (2) ranked point scorers when calculating the senior scholars.

Holly High School will not maintain an overall class rank.

Recognition will also be provided to students using their unweighted GPA.  This system implements a collegiate style recognition for students.  Those earning GPA's that fall within the categories listed below will receive cords to wear during the graduation ceremony and will be individually recognized and noted in the graduation program.  

Summa Cum Laude - (3.9 or above GPA) Students will receive a gold cord

Magna Cum Laude - (3.7 - 3.89 GPA) Students will receive a silver cord

Cum Laude - (3.5 to 3.69 GPA) Students will receive a red cord

Honor Roll - (3.25 and above) Students will receive a red and white cord

Students who obtain an annual grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or above for one academic year (September-June) shall be awarded an Academic Letter.  The Academic Letter is similar to the Varsity Letter awarded to athletes. Subsequent 3.25 achievements are honored with Lamp of Learning pins.  When worn on the Academic Letter, each pin (bronze, silver, or gold) represents the number of years a student has achieved a GPA of 3.25 or better.