• Counseling Department information
• What you need to do to graduate on time
• Timeline to graduation
• Honors Night
• Baccalaureate
• Commencement schedule
• Project Graduation
• Class of 2008 Scholarship & Award Winners

Important information
from the Counselors
That magical moment -- the one where you are standing in line in the cafeteria waiting to march onto the football field to be applauded by your family and friends, and you hear the opening strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" played by the band -- is closer than you think. With that in mind, we want to remind you of a few things that you may need to pay attention to right away:

CREDIT AUDITS. We went over your credit audits at beginning of the year so that you would know exactly where you stood and what you needed to complete in order to graduate in June. Now that the first semester is complete, check to make sure that you are still on track. If you failed to earn credit in any required classes, you need to request to see your counselor immediately. You may even need to pick up an extra class, so don't delay.

COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS. Forty hours of documented community service are required for graduation. As soon as you know that you have completed them, see Mrs. Knapp in the Library with your documentation.

CLUELESS??? When people ask you what you're going to be doing next year, do you give them a blank stare, shrug your shoulders or even make something up? Don't be clueless! We have many resources to help you decide how to create your future. We have everything from interest inventories to career biographies to books that tell you what careers are available for people who love history. Check out www.bridges.com and www.careercruising.com. Don't be hesitant to ask us for help.

FINANCIAL AID. If you are going to be attending college next year and want to find financial aid, you need to submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This is the key ingredient in accessing aid for college expenses. Kirtland Community College hosted a FAFSA assistance session called College Goal Sunday on February 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. This event was a free service for anyone living in this area. Click on this link for more information: Counseling Office Financial Aid.

SCHOLARSHIPS. Scholarship money is out there, but you have to be proactive and find the sources. For weekly updated scholarship application information, check the list posted outside the Counseling Office or the financial aid section of our website: Counseling Office Financial Aid. Other scholarship resources to check out can be found on the Internet. Local scholarship applications will be available at the end of February.

FINAL TRANSCRIPTS. If you need a final transcript sent to a college, please see Teresa Bonamie in the Counseling Office as soon as possible.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO GRADUATE ON TIME
last day of school for graduating seniors.
The last day of school for graduating seniors is Friday, May 23, 2008. By this date, any senior who has not fulfilled all requirements for graduation (credits earned, documented 40 hours of community service, paid all fines owed, returned all GHS property, met attendance policy requirements, etc.) will NOT participate in Commencement.

Students who fulfill all requirements for graduation after May 23, 2008 (earn credits, provide documentation of 40 community service hours, pay all fines owed, return all GHS property and meet attendance policy requirements by attending make-up time, etc.) will graduate and receive their diplomas but will NOT participate in Commencement.

graduation requirements.
Requirements include 22 credit hours and 40 hours of community service. February 29, 2008, was the target date for the documentation of community service hours due in the Media Center.

Senior Debts.
All book fees, charged materials, lost school property (uniforms, etc.) and fines must be paid before graduating seniors receive caps and gowns. Please see that such responsibilities are taken care of prior to Wednesday, May 21, 2008.

attendance.
As graduation nears for the Class of 2008, the importance of attendance in the learning process becomes more critical. Excessive absences will ultimately result in the student’s failure to earn credit for that class due to lack of class participation.
 

SENIOR HONORS NIGHT

Senior Honors Night will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at 7 p.m. in the Joseph Stripe Auditorium at GHS.  Dressy attire is appropriate (dresses for girls and a suit or sweater, tie and dress slacks for boys). Caps and gowns are NOT worn for this event.

All seniors being honored and their parents will receive a special letter of invitation. However, this event is open to the public, so relatives, friends, classmates and community members are also invited to attend. There is no special seating arrangement. Refreshments will be served immediately following the program.

BACCALAUREATE CEREMONY

The Baccalaureate service will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at 7 p.m. in the Joseph Stripe Auditorium at GHS.  Baccalaureate is organized by the AuSable Ministerial Association and is open to the public.

Seniors should arrive no later than 6:45 p.m. Everyone should report to Room C328 (Choir Room). As there is no scheduled rehearsal for this event, it is imperative that you are on time so you can hear the instructions.

Appropriate dress is required (dresses for girls and a suit or sweater, tie and dress slacks for boys). Girls should avoid wearing high-heeled shoes to eliminate the possibility of tripping or catching them on your robes.  Remember to bring your caps and gowns along with any other honors accessories.

TIMELINE TO GRADUATION FOR THE CLASS OF 2008

2008 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JUNE 1 ~ 2 P.M. ~ GHS FOOTBALL FIELD

PROJECT GRADUATION