Eligible graduates of Carrollton High School Class of 2019 will be the first in school history to be awarded diploma seals for three highly specialized areas of school involvement and preparation.

The Georgia Department of Education granted CHS the authorization to present the fine arts seal and civic engagement seal to graduates who meet the specific criteria for the designations. These seals are offered in addition to designations for international skills and biliteracy already available to CHS graduating seniors.

The Georgia Department of Education has authorized an additional seal that recognizes graduates who are career ready. The career ready diploma seal may be awarded to graduating high school students who complete a series of accomplishments and engage in activities, courses, and experiences that foster career readiness. This seal is a state endorsement to employers that a student is prepared to participate in the workforce.

“Carrollton High School offers a comprehensive selection of offerings for students in almost every academic realm,” said CHS Principal David Brooks. “Because of this, awarding these specialized seals encourages and recognizes student efforts to go above and beyond the requirements to receive a high school diploma.”

Susan Gordy, assistant principal over curriculum, notes with these additions CHS will offer every diploma seal the state recognizes.

“We had to go through an application process to be granted permission to present four of these seals,” she said. “Schools do not have to apply for the career-ready seal because most meet the criteria through the pathway graduation requirements. We anticipate awarding many of these seals to graduates this spring.”

Gordy said Carrollton’s focus on the arts facilitated the application process for the fine arts seal since CHS has strong visual and performing arts academic programs and extracurricular opportunities. For the civic engagement seal, CHS also offers a large number of the qualifying criteria through its regular academic offerings, plus Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses. Both seals also require a community service component, which most students easily meet through their clubs and extracurricular involvements.

“Our goal is to ensure every graduate who leaves CHS is ready for the next level, no matter what that level may be,” said Brooks. “Most students will go on to complete post-secondary education opportunities, some will join the military, and others will go directly into the workforce. By recognizing these specialized areas of competence, educational institutions and employers can rest assured they are investing in a quality graduate from Carrollton High School.”

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The Carrollton High School  Performing Arts program produced a runner-up finish in Region 7-AAAAA One-Act Play competition last month at Woodland High School of Cartersville. Many of the students likely will meet the criteria to earn the state-sanctioned fine arts seal for their high school diploma when they graduate.