Graduation is just around the corner, and after you walk that stage its kumbaya to the current crew. So what comes next? For some it’s an independent road but for others it’s a transition to some of the most well renowned Greek sororities and fraternities Universities have to offer.
With the countdown to graduation on, it’s almost time to recognize the students who are summa, magna, and cum laude graduates. However, in the midst of all of these students lies the individual who has the highest rank out of the graduating class.
According to NEISD board policy E.I.C. (Local), the student who is the highest ranking graduate is not individually recognized. Instead, this student is identified solely based on their weighted grade average, or WGA.
Tears fill her eyes as she remembers the sixth grader who picked up the instrument for the first time, the freshman at her first marching band rehearsal, and the senior walking the stage at graduation. Senior Sarah Rodriguez takes one last look before closing the case, for what could be the last time.
It’s 11 p.m. The seniors have just been released from their graduation ceremony. A handful of these graduates pile into cars with their friends, and head back to Johnson. Instead of heading home, these students are returning to school because of Project Graduation.
“Last year I actually went to the party because I knew I was going to be the chairperson this year, so I thought, ‘Well, I’ll go check it out, see what I think,’ and it looked like everybody just had a blast,” parent and Project Graduation committee chair Kathleen Donoghue said.
Elementary school to middle school, middle school to high school, high school to college. Three transitions that mark changes in a student’s expected maturity, responsibility and workload. Some students in the senior class of 2014 and principal John Mehlbrech have had the unique experience of sharing this entire journey.
Senioritis is thought by most to be an imaginary disease used to as an explanation to a seniors lack of work and drive.
Project Grad is an event ran by the PTA. Taking place the night of graduation, parents have set up a well deserved reward for the graduating class. All seniors are welcome as long as they fill out the appropriate papers.
Choosing a profession is not a walk in a park, it’s a decision that takes time and commitment, but there are colleges strictly geared towards a chosen career path.
The Board of Trustees has decided that Healthy Lifestyles is no longer a mandatory course for incoming freshmen as of the 2013-2014 school year.
Johnson's top students make the grade for prestigious universities.