Academic Awards

When determining honors status for Western Sierra students at graduation, we take into account our Rocklin Academy Family of Schools Core Value Statements and recognize the rigor of Western Sierra’s program.  As such, there are opportunities for many students to achieve a level of honors status, and to be recognized for their accomplishments during the graduation ceremony. Recognition will be based upon the following criteria: 

● Seniors with a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.50 to 3.74 will graduate cum laude (with honor). Recipients are eligible to wear a silver cord during the ceremony, and their diploma will reflect their earned title. 

● Seniors with a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.75 to 3.99 will graduate magna cum laude (with great honor). Recipients are eligible to wear* a green cord during the ceremony, and their diploma will reflect their earned title. 

● Seniors with a cumulative weighted GPA of 4.00 and beyond will graduate summa cum laude (with highest honor). Recipients are eligible to wear* a burgundy cord during the ceremony, and their diploma will reflect their earned title. 

* Students eligible to wear a cord or stole will be given the option to purchase 

● This honor will be given to the ten (10) seniors with the highest cumulative weighted GPA. 

● The student with the highest cumulative weighted GPA will have first right of refusal to give a speech at graduation. If this student decides not to give said speech, School administration will vet other potential candidates who are interested.

● These ten (10) students will receive a special medallion in addition to any cord earned and diploma honors at graduation.

● A student who has been in violation of the Academic Integrity Policy is not eligible to receive this honor. 

The Honor Cord Award is a distinguished community service award available to students who demonstrate a deep commitment to serving their community through volunteering. 

Honors Cord

In recognition of this achievement, recipients are eligible to wear a white cord with their cap and gown during their graduation ceremony. 

A minimum of 250 community service hours must be performed to receive this distinction. In order to be eligible, you must complete and submit 75 hours a year, starting with the freshman year with all hours being due by October 1st of the senior year (the yearly requirement will apply to the Class of 2022 and beyond). 

For the Classes of 2020-2021, all hours are due by October 1st of the senior year. 

Honors Stole

In recognition of this achievement, recipients are eligible to wear a white stole with their cap and gown during their graduation ceremony. 

A minimum of 500 community service hours must be performed to receive this distinction. In order to be eligible, you must complete and submit 150 hours a year, starting with the freshman year with all hours being due by October 1st of the senior year.

* Students eligible to wear a cord or stole will be given the option to purchase.