Senior Information

Valedictorian/Salutatorian/Honor Graduates 

1. The valedictorian will be recognized based on having the highest cumulative GPA as it appears on the official high school transcript, calculated using the state uniform grading policy prescribed by state law.

2. The salutatorian will be recognized based on having the second highest cumulative GPA as it appears on the high school transcript, calculated using the state uniform grading policy prescribed by state law. SC Uniform Grading Policy Conversion Chart.

3. Valedictorians and salutatorians must attend a high school in the Fort Mill School District the two semesters immediately prior to graduation their senior year. 

4. In the event of a tie, where more than one student has the same GPA, co-valedictorians and/or co-salutatorians will be named.

5. Only valedictorians and salutatorians will make graduation speeches. Other parts of the ceremony will be determined by the administration.

6. All honor graduates will be determined during the spring semester of the senior year.

7. All honor graduates must attend four calendar years of high school. 

8. In addition to the valedictorian and salutatorian, honor graduates will be recognized at graduation. Honor graduates must have a 4.5 or higher cumulative GPA as it appears on the high school transcript as calculated using the state uniform grading policy prescribed by state law.

9. For honor graduate determination, grades of transfer students will be accepted if credits are awarded from an accredited school.

Rigorous Senior Year 

As college admission and job opportunities become more competitive, it is necessary to continue a high level of academic rigor. The FMSD encourages all students to take challenging courses during their senior year. All seniors are required to take a non-elective English, math, science and social studies course during the 12th grade year. Some colleges and universities will deny admission to students who have not completed English and math during their senior year. A waiver, granted by the principal, will be required for a senior wishing to forgo taking a non-elective English, math, science, or social studies course during the 12th grade year. In addition to the electives on campus, seniors may also elect to take courses at institutions of higher learning with a waiver from the principal. Students may not take courses that are comparable to high school course offerings. High school credit will not be awarded unless an articulation agreement is already in place. Tuition is the responsibility of the student. 

LIFE/Palmetto Fellows Eligibility 

LIFE and Palmetto Fellows eligibility is outlined in the Scholarship Section. As required by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, GPA and ranking for the Palmetto Fellows scholarship will be calculated at the end of the sophomore, junior, and senior year following the posting of year end grades to the official transcript. This process will occur at the end of second semester each year and prior to June 15 (the official capture date for the Commission on Higher Education). Students with questions about eligibility should consult with the Counseling Office. 

Early Graduation 

Students who wish to graduate early need to discuss this with their counselor. This allows courses to be scheduled appropriately. To participate in the graduation ceremony, a student must declare plans to graduate by the first day of the fall semester. This applies to both 4th-year students who want to graduate at the end of the first semester of the senior year and to 3rd-year students who want to graduate at the end of the school year. The student and parent must have a conference with an administrator and a counselor, and the parent must submit a request form. Students who do not follow these procedures will receive a diploma but may not participate in the graduation ceremony. Early graduates are no longer enrolled as active high school students during the spring term but are invited to participate in the graduation ceremony. They may not participate in school-sponsored spring activities such as sports, band, chorus, prom, etc. 

Senior Privileges 

Fourth year students who are eligible to become seniors at the end of first semester may have Senior pictures made, order graduation supplies, have names on Senior T-shirt and mug, be in the Senior group picture, and transfer to a Senior homeroom after first term. They will not be allowed the following senior privileges: Senior parking first term, participation in Senior Class activities or meetings during first term, representation of the Senior Class in any official capacity during first term, and exemption of exams during first term.