SUSD Scholar Award
The SUSD Scholar Award recognizes high school students who have completed an academically enriched high school course of study. To qualify for this award, students will complete:
4 credits of English (English I through IV or AP equivalent)
4 credits of Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and 4th year Math for which Algebra II is a prerequisite)
3 credits of Social Studies (World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government and Economics)
3 credits of Lab Sciences
2 credits of the same Language other than English
2 credits from either Fine Arts and/or CTE (One of the Fine Art credits cannot be used as your PE credit)
A grade of C or better in all of the above classes and have met all other graduation requirements
Students who meet above requirements will receive an SUSD Scholar Medal at graduation.
Alpha Award of Excellence
The Alpha Award of Excellence recognizes students who strive for ultimate mastery of school courses. To qualify for this award, students must earn an A in every single high school credit course, retaining a 4.0 unweighted GPA.
Students who meet these requirements will receive a cord to wear at graduation events.
Red Wolf Scholar Award
The Red Wolf Scholar Award recognizes students who have maintained a certain level of distinction throughout their high school years. Red Wolf Scholar classes include Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses. These higher level courses are designed to prepare students to successfully compete for selective college entrance and college honors programs, as well as potentially earning college credit. To qualify for this award, students will complete:
a minimum of 12 Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses during high school (3 during 9th grade, 3 during 10th grade, and a total of 7 between 11th and 12th grade)
a grade of B or better in all of the qualifying classes and have met all other graduation requirements
Students who meet above requirements will receive a stole to wear at graduation events.
State Diploma Seals
State Seal of Arts Proficiency
The Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency celebrates students who demonstrate elevated levels of proficiency in the Arizona Arts Education Standards through personal expression and creative experiences in arts education programs. The seal is placed on the student’s diploma. To qualify for the seal, students will complete:
Qualifying Arts or CTE courses with a GPA of 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
Credits from chosen artistic discipline/s: dance, music, theatre, visual arts, media arts, or approved CTE
80 hours of arts-related extracurricular activities
A student-led capstone project, a culmination of learning in chosen artistic discipline
Students who meet these requirements will receive a Diploma Seal and a cord for graduation.
State Seal of Biliteracy
The Arizona State Seal of Biliteracy Program recognizes high school students who achieve proficiency in English plus at least one additional language. The seal is placed on the student’s diploma and noted on the transcript. To qualify for the seal, students will complete:
all requirements during grades 9-12. Previous experience will not be counted
all English Language Arts courses with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 out of a 4.0 scale
a minimum score on an examination in English Language Arts
a minimum score of proficient or higher based on the English language proficiency standards, pursuant to section 15-756, if the student has a primary language other than English
demonstrates proficiency in one or more languages other than English through a proficiency exam (Second language proficiency exams need to be completed during grades 9-12 and preferably in grades 11 or 12.)
Students who meet these requirements will receive a Diploma Seal and a cord for graduation.
State Seal of Civics Literacy
The Arizona State Seal of Civics Literacy recognizes high school students who achieve a high level of proficiency in Civics. The seal is placed upon the student's diploma and noted on their transcript. To qualify for the seal, students will complete:
all requirements during grades 9-12 (Only passage of the Arizona Civics Test is allowed prior to 9th grade.)
all high school social studies courses with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 out of a 4.0 scale
a minimum score of 70% on the Arizona Civics Test. (For 2025 graduates only, you may pass with a 60%.)
meet the specific requirements from each of the 4 categories
Civics Learning (Complete/Participate in 3)
Civics Engagement (Complete 30 Hours)
Written Reflection (Demonstrate Students Civic Knowledge)
Receiving the Seal of Civics Literacy
Students who meet these requirements will receive a Diploma Seal and a cord for graduation.
State Seal of of Personal Finance
The State Seal of Personal Finance recognizes high school students who achieve a high level of proficiency in Personal Finance. The seal is placed upon the student's diploma and noted on their transcript. To qualify for the seal, students will complete:
all requirements during grades 9-12, previous experience will not be counted
all social studies courses with an overall grade point average GPA of 3.0 out of a 4.0 scale
Students must complete 1 activity from each of the 4 categories
completion of an approved personal finance program (curriculum)
participation in a co-curricular or extracurricular program (outside of school)
completion of a college and/or career readiness (readiness plan and written reflection)
passage of an assessment of personal finance (test)
Students who meet these requirements will receive a Diploma Seal and a cord for graduation.