Honors Programs (Graduation Recognitions)

GHS Honors Program Requirements 

**All GPA requirements must be met by the end of the Fall semester of your senior year (December).**

TN Community Service Scholar Requirements (Purple Cord)

Perform 80 hours of community service. (Community Service Log/Application available online.)

TN Graduate with Distinction Requirements (White Cord)

Students will be recognized as graduating with ‘state distinction’ by attaining a B average (3.0+ GPA)** and completing at least one of the following:

  • Earn a state or nationally recognized industry certification

  • Participate in at least one of the Governor’s Schools

  • Participate in one of the state’s All State musical organizations

  • Be selected as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-finalist

  • Attain a 31 or higher ACT score

  • Attain a 3 or higher on at least 2 AP exams

  • Earn at least 12 college credits

Tri-Star Recognition (Pin)

Students can earn this honor in two ways:

  1.     Students who attain a 19 or higher composite ACT score AND have an industry certification (Microsoft certification, GCTA, etc.) OR

  2.     Students earn the Work Ethic Distinction by earning 32 points on the standards within the Work Ethic application and turn it into the counseling office. Apps are in counseling office and can be found at tnworkethic.com.

***Students that earn the Work Ethic Distinction will also have a seal placed on their diploma.***

GHS Honor Scholar (Gold Stole)

3.5 cumulative GPA** 9-12th grade.  No Application required.

Tennessee Graduate with Honors (Blue Cord) Meet all 4 ACT benchmarks prior to graduation. 

Benchmark scores E: 18 R: 22 M: 22 S: 23 No Application Required

Ready Graduate Distinction (Green Cord)

Students will be recognized as a “ready graduate” by the State of TN  if they have accomplished one of the following:

  • Score a 21 or higher ACT score; or

  • Complete 4 Early Post-Secondary Opportunities (EPSOs); or

  • Complete 2 EPSOs + earn an Industry Certificate (in an approved CTE program of study)

  • Complete 2 EPSOs + earn a score of 31 or higher on the ASVAB

Industry 4.0 Distinction (Medal)

Beginning with the Class of 2026, students will be recognized as earning the Industry 4.0 Distinction if they complete at least 9 Dual Enrollment and/or Work Based Learning courses AND complete monthly career coaching/counseling.

Applications and forms can be found below: