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Student Recognition Program

The Academy High Student Recognition Program honors the diverse achievements of our students. Developed collaboratively by school administration and faculty, this initiative reflects our commitment to celebrating academic excellence, personal growth, and community service.
 
These distinct awards acknowledge different aspects of student life. Each award stands alone as a unique achievement while being connected to state or national programs to ensure alignment with established standards and provide additional opportunities for recognition.​
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  • The Academic Excellence Award, which honors students who demonstrate outstanding academic success and contributions to the school community.
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  • The Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes students who dedicate themselves to serving others through volunteerism.

Academic Excellence Award

The Academy High Excellence Award recognizes academic success and contributions to the school community. ​To be eligible for the Academy High Excellence Award, which is awarded annually, students in grades 9-12 must meet the following requirements:

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  • Grade Point Average (GPA):

    • Students must earn a GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for the school year.

  • Good Citizenship:

    • Students must be in good behavioral standing, demonstrating respect, responsibility, and positive contributions to the school community

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Students wishing to be considered for this recognition must submit a brief letter of intent  which describes their qualifications to the Academy High administration at the end of April to allow time for review. Academy High administration will review each student’s academic profile at the end of the school year and notify recipients of the award early in the summer.

 

Recipients will be recognized with a special announcement and certificate. Recipients can receive this award up to four times.

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Graduating seniors who meet these requirements and others on a cumulative basis during their time as a student at Academy High may also be considered for the President's Education Awards Program through the U.S. Department of Education.

Independent Reading Award

The Academy High Independent Reading Award recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to reading independently outside of their classes. To be eligible for the Academy High Independent Reading Award, which is awarded annually, students in grades 9-12 must meet the following requirements:

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  • Students must read 12 books (between May and April) that are not assigned in any of their classes.

  • Students may refer to lists of Great Books, First Year College and Seminar Books, and Illinois Reads for inspiration, though there are no specific requirements regarding which books are read.

  • Students are expected to read books that are at or above a high school reading level. 

 

Students will submit a list of the books they have read, along with a one page personal reflection on each book, to the Academy High administration at the end of April to allow time for review ahead of the end of the school year.  The administration will review the submissions to ensure that the books read meet the criteria of being independent (i.e., not assigned in any classes) and that the reflections demonstrate thoughtful engagement with the material.

 

This award can be earned in tandem with the Read for A Lifetime program hosted by the Illinois Center for the Book. 

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Recipients will be recognized with a special announcement and certificate. Recipients can receive this award multiple times during their high school career, encouraging ongoing independent reading.

Volunteer Service Award

The Academy High Volunteer Service Award recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to volunteer service, contributing to their community through unpaid acts of service benefiting others. To be eligible for the Academy High Volunteer Service Award, which is awarded annually, students in grades 9-12 must meet the following requirements:

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  • Students must complete 40 hours of unpaid volunteer service benefiting others within a 12-month period.

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Students will submit documentation of their volunteer service hours via Academy High’s online form, including details of the service performed and the organization(s) served, to the Academy High administration at the end of the 12-month period. This information needs to be submitted by the end of April to allow time for review ahead of the end of the school year. Academy High will reach out to organizations to verify service hours. 

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The administration will review the submissions to ensure that the service hours meet the criteria of being unpaid and benefiting others.

  • Examples that meet this criteria: volunteering at local organizations and events (including Academy High!), tutoring and mentoring, community clean-up, senior assistance, disaster relief, etc.  

  • Examples that do not meet this criteria: paid employment, internships with compensation, political lobbying, family obligations, etc. 

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Recipients will be recognized with a special announcement and certificate. Students who complete 50-100 hours of volunteer service within a 12-month period will be eligible for consideration for the Presidential Service Award, for which Academy High is a certifying organization.

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