CCHS Recognition of Academic

Recognition of Academic Excellence, Effort, and Growth

Academic achievement is the top priority of Culpeper County High School.  Consequently, we have multiple ways that we recognize academic excellence, effort, and growth.  Awards and recognitions vary in nature; some are standards based and some are a result of applications and/or teacher and committee selection.  Below is a list of awards and recognitions with brief explanations of each.  If you believe you have not received an award that you should have, please let us know as soon as possible so we can correct our mistake.

Honor Roll certificate

Students who earn a 3.0 grade point average in a school year (eligible each year in grades 9-11) are recognized in the first semester of the following school year at an in-school ice cream social where they will receive a certificate for their achievement.

Principal’s List certificate

Students who earn all As in a school year  (eligible each year in grades 9-11) are recognized in the first semester of the following school year at an in-school ice cream social where they will receive a certificate for their achievement.

BDP Honor Roll Student Car Magnet

Honor roll and principal’s list students also receive a BDP Honor Roll Student car magnet at the honor roll ice cream social. 

Academic Letter and Bars

Students who earn a 3.5 grade point average in a school year (eligible each year in grades 9-11) are recognized in the first semester of the following school year at an in-school ice cream social where they will receive an academic letter (chenille letter) for their achievement.  Students who earn this honor in subsequent years are awarded a bar bin that can be affixed to their academic letter.  The academic letter is similar in design to the athletic varsity letter.

All As Medals

Students who earn straight As (A-, A, and/or A+) in grades 8, 9, 10, or 11 are invited to an evening ceremony in the first semester of the following school year, the All As and Academic Jacket Ceremony.  Recipients of the All As Medals are presented with a custom medal with those in their grade level.  These medals can be worn at graduation.

Academic Jacket

Seniors who maintain a 3.6 grade point average or higher through the first three years of high school are awarded an Academic Letter Jacket in the first semester of their senior year at the All As and Academic Jacket Ceremony.  Recipients are able to invite up to two individuals (usually parents) who have played a special role in their academic success to present them with the jacket.  This tradition celebrates the valued partnership between home and school.

Recognition of Excellence 

In May of each school year each academic department and/or discipline selects students in each grade as recipients of the Recognition of Excellence in English (or whatever the academic discipline may be).  For each academic discipline only one 9th grader is honored, two 10th graders, etc.  Additionally, a Most Distinguished Senior is honored in each discipline.  Also, the overall Most Distinguished Senior is recognized.  The Most Distinguished Senior is added to an infinity plaque displayed in the school’s main office.  These awards are presented in an evening ceremony in May.

Academic Spotlight

Students excelling academically and in extracurricular activities and volunteer efforts are recognized weekly during the school year as the Academic Spotlight Student of the Week.  Students who receive this recognition are highlighted on the picture board just outside of the main office, on the school electronic marquee, and in the Culpeper Star Exponent.  Students interested in this recognition must apply for the honor during the first month of school when the applications are distributed.  Applications are reviewed blindly by a committee of parents and staff.  Application scores are then compiled and linked by school administration to the names of the honorees.  Spotlight students are recognized at the Recognition of Excellence ceremony.  This process is done in partnership with the Culpeper Academic Boosters.

Top 20

At the end of their senior year, students are ranked according to their cumulative weighted grade point average.  The top 20 graduates are invited to a banquet where they are presented by an educator of their choice.  Honorees receive a medal that can be worn at graduation and their senior pictures are displayed on a special display across from the school auditorium.

Senior Convocation

Seniors receiving scholarships and senior specific awards are recognized in May in an evening ceremony in the school auditorium.  Awards from external agencies are presented by agency representatives.  The top 1% and top 2% of graduates according to weight grade point average are also recognized at this event.

BDP Breakfasts

Monthly a catered breakfast is held where students selected by CCHS staff members are invited to attend as honored guests of the staff.  Every staff member has the opportunity to invite a student to at least one of the breakfasts and no student can be invited twice.  Staff pick students who are exemplifying positive behaviors of Blue Devil Pride.

Blue Devil Pride Positive Referrals

This recognition has no limits.  Any staff member may write a positive referral for a student who has exhibited positive achievement or behavior.  Students are called to the front office and commended by a school administrator and are given a treat.  They are also recognized on the school TVs.

Blue Devil Pride Challenge Coin

This is the highest honor.  It is given to a student who does something extraordinary in positively representing the school and living up to the school goals and ideals.  The coin can be awarded for success in the arts, academics, athletics, citizenship, Pdignity, or in getting Better Every Day.