Adams 12 Five Star Schools is launching two award programs in which deserving individuals making significant contributions to our schools, community, the state or nation will receive a diploma. One program will honor non-high school graduates with an honorary diploma. The other program will honor war veterans with a diploma to recognize their life experiences and sacrifices made to our country.
"We know of community members who have contributed greatly to our communities, but for some reason, have not completed the requirements for graduation from high school," Superintendent
Mike Paskewicz said. "Nonetheless, their contributions have improved the quality of life in our community and we believe they are worthy of high honors."
Nominees for the honorary diploma must have performed outstanding public service or demonstrated success in his or her career or life despite not having earned a high school diploma. These accomplished individuals, who must be at least 35 years old, will show outstanding achievement in diverse fields.
A similar diploma award program being launched at the same time, honors community members who served our nation as a member of the Armed Forces and who were unable to complete their high school education because of military service in World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War. Nominees for this actual diploma must be at least 60 years old and have been honorably discharged.
The Five Star District has a set of traits it believes characterizes the most important behaviors represented in our community. Nominees for both diploma awards programs will be judged based on their demonstration of these traits:
- Being a good citizen;
- Demonstrating ethical decision-making
- Demonstrating integrity;
- Being creative;
- Being thoughtful;
- Demonstrating productivity; and
- Living a healthy life style.
Nominations for each award will be reviewed by a panel of at least five members including one administrator, one classified association member, one teachers' association member, one District School Improvement Team member and one community member.
"We look forward to honoring very special individuals who have helped shape our community into one that supports and values the education of its citizens," Paskewicz added.
Committee recommendations will be forwarded to the superintendent for final selection. For nomination forms, simply log onto
www.adams12.org and click on the "Honorary/Actual Diplomas" icon.
The deadline for nominations for the honorary diploma awards program is July 15, 2007 and the deadline for the veterans' diploma award is Oct. 1, 2007. For more information, log onto the district's web site or call 720-972-4002.