Academic Achievement Letter Award
Application

1. Take at least five (5) semester art classes and maintain an A- average. Please list classes and grades received for each (Grades 10-12 only.)
2. Participate in at least four shows (3 shows or less will qualify for Diploma of Merit ONLY).
3. Extra-curricular related activities.
4. Application

BUSINESS DEPARTMENT
Diploma of Merit/Departmental Letter

Each applicant for a combination Diploma of Merit/Business Letter must meet each of the following requirements:

1. Minimum of six (6) semesters of business and/or marketing classes.
2. Overall accumulated Grade Point Average of 3.500 or better (actual, not rounded), through third term grades.
3. Business Grade Point Average of 3.500 or better (actual, not rounded). Special Note: GPA of 3.000 for Concurrent business classes are calculated independently from other Business courses.
4. Accumulated Citizenship Point Average of 3.000 or better.
5. Active Membership in FBLA or DECA, verified by club advisor.
6. Special Achievement in Business in at least one of the following areas:

   Compete and place in FBLA and/or DECA Competition
   Academy of Finance member
   Sterling Scholar
   Completion of concurrent enrollment business class
   Business department aide
   Business week participant
   State Competency Certificate

Documentation
Each applicant is to prepare written documentation of completion of each for the requirements listed above. Application Deadline: Last Thursday in March by 2:30 p.m.

Evaluation of Documentation
The written documentation will be subject to the final approval of the Business Department. Applicants receiving Business Diplomas of Merit/Business Letters will be notified the first Friday in April.

CAREER TECHNOLOGY--AUTOMOTIVE

Diploma of Merit
Two (2) years completed with the following both years:

**GPA 3.5 **CPA 3.0 Automotive
**GPA 3.0 **CPA General (Accumulative for all other classes)

Departmental Lettering
Two (2) years completed with the following both years:

GPA 3.7 CPA 3.5 Automotive
GPA 3.5 CPA 3.0 General (Accumulative for all other classes)

Ford AAA Finalist = Automatic Letter
Sterling Scholar = Automatic Letter
Winner Weber State Auto Contest = Automatic Letter

CAREER TECHNOLOGY--DRAFTING

Diploma of Merit
Two (2) years completed with the following both years:

**GPA 3.5 **CPA 3.5 Drafting
**GPA 3.0 **CPA 3.0 General (Accumulative for all other classes)

State VICA = Automatic Letter
Sterling Scholar = Automatic Letter

Departmental Lettering
Three (3) years all classes--Beginning/Architecture/Computer-Aided Drafting

**GPA 3.5 **CPA 3.5 Drafting
**GPA 3.0 **CPA 3.0 General (Accumulative for all other classes

At least one (1) competition completed VICA Participant
State VICA = Automatic Letter
Sterling Scholar = Automatic Letter

Departmental Lettering
One (1) year Advanced CC Electronics

**Grade A- Citizenship 4.0

CAREER TECHNOLOGY--GRAPHICS

Diploma of Merit/Departmental Lettering

1. Maintain a citizenship CUM of 3.0. .

   Complete two of the following courses with a 3.6 (B+) Average.
   A. Beginning Graphics--Demonstrate skill proficiency in all of the following areas:
   ***** Pagemaker
   ***** Beginning Graphics Arts
   ***** Screen Printing
   B. Graphics Digital Imaging & Photography--Demonstrate skill proficiency in all of the following areas:
   ***** Photoshop
   ***** Photograph and develop black & white film
   ***** Make black & white prints
   C. Multi-Media--Demonstrate skill proficiency in all of the following areas:
   ***** Cartooning
   ***** Animation
   ***** Multi-Media
   D. Occupational Graphics--Demonstrate skill proficiency in all of the following areas:
   ***** Complete Concurrent College course work
   ***** Apply for Graphic Art or related Employment
   ***** Participate in VICA

CAREER TECHNOLOGY--WOODS

Diploma of Merit
Three (3) years Wood Shop--Beginning/Advanced
***GPA 3.5 ***CPA 3.5 Woods
***GPA 3.0 ***CPA 3.0 General (Accumulative for all other classes)
State VICA = Automatic Letter
Sterling Scholar = Automatic Letter

Departmental Lettering
Three (3) years Wood Shop--Beginning/Advanced
***GPA 3.5 ***CPA 3.5 Woods
***GPA 3.0 ***CPA 3.0 General (Accumulative for all other classes)
School Projects worked on VICA Participant
State VICA = Automatic Letter
Sterling Scholar = Automatic Letter
At least one (1) competition

CITIZENSHIP/SERVICE -- AREA OF DISTINCTION

Application

COLLEGE PREP/ACADEMICS -- AREA OF DISTINCTION

Application

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Diploma of Merit

1. The following requirements must be completed during grades 10-12. The applicant must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA and a 3.5 average in citizenship in all Computer Science classes.
2. The following courses must be completed:
   ***** CC Computer Science
   ***** Two semesters of computer electives

Applicants must be approved by Computer Science Department Head

Departmental Letter

1. Applicants must complete Diploma of Merit requirements.
2. Applicants must also complete a major program in cooperation with the department head.
   *****A. Approval of program must be given and followed for acceptance.
   *****B. Program will create a database structure applicable for businesses. Students will
   design the database structure, and complete programming options set by the advisor. (i.e. Database for Payroll, Admission, etc.)

Submit classes taken & grade achieved: (Include a copy of transcript) and idea for program for lettering.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Diploma of Merit/Departmental Letter

Student applications for distinction in English must include a transcript which demonstrates that the student meets the following requirements:

1. The student has completed at least two years of advanced courses in English. Advanced courses include Advanced Placement English, Junior Honors English, Sophomore Honors English, College Prep, Advanced Literature, and Humanities.
2. The student has maintained a minimum 3.6 academic grade point average and a minimum 3.6 academic grade point average and a minimum 3.0 citizenship grade point average in all English classes at Cottonwood High School and any other high schools which the student has attended.
3. The English faculty may require that the student submit examples of his/her best original written work. Do not submit written work unless Ms. Harrison asks you to do so.
4. Students who complete a full year of Advanced Placement English with the minimum grade point averages required for the diploma of merit may also be eligible for an academic letter in English.

Please submit the completed application and a copy of your Cottonwood High School transcript to Ms. Harrison (229) by the deadline. You must include grades through third quarter of your senior year. Third quarter grades may be printed from the Internet and submitted with your transcript.

FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE

Diploma of Merit
A Diploma of Merit will be awarded to those students who fulfill the following requirements:

1. An area of Distinction in Family and Consumer Sciences will be awarded to those senior students who fulfill the following requirements and document them with a written application.
2. A Certificate of Competency must be earned in at least two FACS classes.
3. A GPA of at least 3.0 must be earned in all FACS classes.
4. A CPA must be 3.0 in all FACS classes.
5. Be an active member of FCCLA.
6. Provide verification of Certificates of Competency classes and dates. Verification can be the actual certificate or teacher verification.
7. Attach a copy of your transcript to your application.
8. Application
   

Departmental Letter
Students may earn a Letter in Family & Consumer Science by the end of his/her senior year by fulfilling the following requirements in addition to those above:

1. A GPA of at least 3.3 must be earned in Family & Consumer Science classes.
2. A CPA of at least 3.0.
3. Students must show demonstrated application of skills in the form of special project(s), activities such as working in the field, volunteering, etc.
4. Two Letters of Recommendation must be provided (form available from department).

HEALTH SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Diploma of Merit
A Diploma of Merit in Health Science and Technology will be awarded to those senior students who fulfill the following requirements:

1. The student must have successfully completed at least 2 of the following classes:
   ***** Introduction to Health Science & Technology
   ***** Medical Terminology
   ***** Nursing Assisting
   ***** Dental Assisting
   ***** Medical Assisting
   ***** Emergency Medical Technician
2. A Certificate of Competency must be earned in each class where one is given.
3. The student must have earned at least a B each term of every Health Science and Technology class.
4. The student must have earned at least a 3 in citizenship in every Health Science and Technology class.

Departmental Letter
A student may earn a Letter in Health Science and Technology at the end of the senior year by fulfilling the following requirements:

1. The student must have successfully completed at least 3 of the following classes:
   ***** Introduction to Health Science & Technology
   ***** Medical Terminology
   ***** Nursing Assisting
   ***** Dental Assisting
   ***** Medical Assisting
   ***** Emergency Medical Technician
   ***** Biotech
   ***** Emergency Medical Service
   ***** Medical Anatomy & Physiology
2. A Certificate of Competency must be earned in each class. (Exception is Introduction to Health
   Science & Technology since there is no certificate given in this class.)
3. A GPA of at least 3.3 must be earned in all Health Science & Technology classes.
4. Citizenship grades must be 3 or 4 in Health Science & Technology classes.
5. The student must demonstrate application of skills in the form of successful employment in the health care field.
6. Two letters of reference from people in the community who can vouch for the quality of the student’s skills, i.e. supervisor, employer, health care consumer, etc. must be submitted.

JOURNALISM-- BROADCASTING: KOLT-TV NEWS

Diploma of Merit

1. Student must have filled at least one rotation of all staff assignments each year on KOLT NEWS as follows:
   ***** Director Assistant Director Anchor
   ***** Sports Producer News Segment Producer Camera
   ***** Comic Sketch Producer Feature Segment Producer Sound
   ***** Tape Advertising Spot
2. Student must be active in mentoring novice staff.
3. Student must demonstrate alacrity in improving the quality and integrity of KOLT NEWS.
4. Student must maintain a 4.0 GPA in KOLT NEWS.
5. Student must maintain a 3.5 CPA in KOLT NEWS.
6. Student must maintain an overall Cottonwood GPA of 3.5.
7. Student must maintain an overall Cottonwood CPA of 3.5.

Departmental Letter

1. Student must fulfill all requirements specified in the KOLT NEWS Diploma of Merit requirements.
2. Student must perform extraordinary service for the staff above and beyond Diploma of Merit requirements.
3. The top 5-10% of class are eligible to receive the award.
4. Teacher selected.
5. Student must maintain a 3.7 CPA in KOLT NEWS.

JOURNALISM--NEWSPAPER: COLT ROUND-UP

Diploma of Merit

1. One year of experience needed since many seniors walking onto staff their senior year end up being a major section editor for the Roundup.
2. Specified levels of accomplishment include: editor-in-chief, associate editor, news editor, feature editor, editorial editor, sports editor, photography editor, art editor, and in some cases computer editor.
3. No specific level of English proficiency is needed since a student of journalism will have to be a competent writer to make the staff in the first place. Our tryout process assesses writing skills needed to be on staff.
4. Specific list of positions and achievements is the same as number two including: outstanding performance as editor-in-chief, associate editor, news editor, feature editor, editorial editor, sports editor, photography editor, art editor, and in some cases computer editor.
5. A 3.5 GPA and CPA is required.

Departmental Letter

1. Two years of experience needed on Colt Roundup Staff.
2. Specified levels of accomplishment: editor-in-chief and associate editor.
3. No specific level of English proficiency is needed since a student of journalism will have to be a competent writer to make the staff in the first place. Our tryout process assesses writing skills needed to be on staff.
4. Specific list of positions and achievements is the same as number two including: exceptional performance as editor-in-chief or associate editor.
5. A 3.8 GPA and CPA is required.

JOURNALISM--YEARBOOK: YEARLING

Diploma of Merit

1. The student must be a senior who is a current member of the yearbook staff.
2. The student must have served as a member of the Cottonwood High Yearling staff for one or more years.
3. The student must be in good standing as the current Editor-in-Chief, Section Editor, Photo Editor, Copy Editor, Computer DCM, or must have performed extraordinary service by having been directly involved with the production of at least 20% of the current yearbook.
4. The student must have a cumulative GPA & CPA of 4.0 in Publications 1-2.

Departmental Letter

1. The student must be a senior who is a current member of the yearbook staff.
2. The student must have served as a member of the Cottonwood High Yearling staff for two or more years.
3. The student must be in good standing as the current Editor-in-Chief, or must have performed extraordinary service by having been directly involved with the production of at least 60% of the current yearbook.
4. The student must have a cumulative GPA & CPA of 4.0 in Publications 1-2.

The Journalism Letter for Yearling will be limited to no more than two students per year.

MATHEMATICS

Diploma of Merit

1. Take a mathematics class all three years of high school or have successfully completed Calculus.
2. Complete mathematics courses through at least Pre-calculus.
3. Have a GPA of 3.3 or higher in Mathematics classes.
4. Score at least 24 on the Mathematics portion on the ACT.
5. Have a CPA of 3.0 or higher in Mathematics classes.

Process: In the spring of the senior year (deadline will be announced by the school) students will complete an application with a copy of their transcript and submit it to the department chair.

Departmental Letter

1. A cumulative GPA in Mathematics must be 3.7 or higher
2. Score at least 27 on the mathematics portion of the ACT
   -or-
   2a.The sum of the percentages from the Math portion of the ACT and PSAT must total at least 150. The calculation for this requirement is as follows:

   a) ACT score (Math only________/ .36 = __________
   
   b) PSAT/NMSQT Score (Math only) ___________/ .80 =_________

   Sum of parts a and b = ______________

3. Complete at least AP Calculus or AP Statistics.
   -or-

   3a.Participate in the State Math Contest or score in the top ten of your class in the qualifying examination while at Cottonwood
   
   -and-
   
   Have a score of 90 or higher on the American Mathematics Contest.
   Additional Requirements: Approval is needed from the Mathematics Department. (A committee will be formed from math department teachers and will choose the qualified applicants.)
   
   Process: Senior students will complete application form and submit it to the department chair for approval.

MUSIC

Diploma of Merit/Departmental Letter

A Music Letter may be earned on an annual basis and a Departmental Letter (Certificate of Achievement) can be earned as a result of three years work.

Annual Music Letter Requirements

1. Maintain a 3.5 GPA in ALL music classes.
2. Maintain a 3.0 CPA in ALL music classes.
3. Participate in a large group such as Band, Orchestra, or Choir for the entire year in which you desire to earn the music letter.
4. Participate at the Region Solo and Ensemble Festival as a soloist or as ensemble member.
5. Participate in a minimum of two extra music activities during the school year. Such activities could include the following:
   ***** School Musical
   ***** Pep Band
   ***** All-State
   ***** Granite Youth Symphony
   ***** Other Honors Group
   ***** Private music study (at least 1 semester)
   ***(Verification of private music study must be done each term and should be on the instrument or voice which is used in the performance organization.)
6. Participate in ALL school concerts, Region Festivals, and State Festivals when qualified.
7. Attend at least one music concert per term related to the class in which you are enrolled. Write a ‘Concert Review’ of the concert and submit it to the instructor as required.
8. You must exhibit exemplary conduct during rehearsals as demonstrated by a positive influence on others, music and instrument present for rehearsals, good posture, no food, gum or candy in class, and consistent self-discipline. A focus on learning is essential.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Diploma of Merit

1. The Senior candidate must have five points to qualify.
2. Points are earned for the following:
   ***** One point for a Varsity Letter.
   ***** One point if the athlete qualified for a State tournament or meet, earned All-Region Honors, was a Region Champion or All-State.
   ***** Two points if the Athlete was a State Champion, or on a State Championship Team.

Departmental Letter

Earn a Varsity Athletic Letter.
Each sport has their own requirements.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION--DANCE

Diploma of Merit/Departmental Letter

1. Student must earn a minimum of 6 points. A point is received for each of the following:
   A. One (1) point for each successfully completed semester of Dance. The classes offered are Dance 1-2, Dance 3-4, Dance 5-, and Dance T.A.
   B. Two (2) points for each successfully completed semester of Dance 7-8 which is performing Dance Company.
2. Student must have maintained a 3.25 or above for each completed course mentioned above.
3. Student must have performed in at least 2 Dance Concerts and 2 Dance Festivals.

SCIENCE

Diploma of Merit
To receive the Diploma of merit in science you must:

1. Complete six (6) semesters of instruction at Cottonwood High School selected from the following classes:
   ***** Chemistry Honors
   ***** Physics Honors
   ***** Zoology
   ***** Chemistry AP
   ***** Physics AP (B)
   ***** Physics AP (C)
   ***** Biology
   ***** Biology AP
   ***** Physiology

***AND

Earn a B or better in every science class every quarter.
AND

Complete one AP science class AND take the national test.

AND

Have a minimum cumulative CPA of 3.0.

If you meet the requirements, fill out the application, attach it to a copy of your transcript and submit it to the Science Department Chair for approval.

Departmental Award
To receive the SCIENCE DEPARTMENT AWARD (Letter) you must:

1. Complete eight (8) semesters of instruction at Cottonwood High School selected from the following classes:
   ***** Chemistry Honors
   ***** Chemistry AP
   ***** Physics Honors
   ***** Physics AP (B)
   ***** Physics AP (C)
   ***** Biology AP
   ***** Biology
   ***** Zoology
   ***** Physiology
   
   **********AND
   
   Earn a 3.5 GPA (with no grade lower that C) in the science classes taken at Cottonwood High School.
   **********AND
   
   Complete two AP science classes (including both national AP tests).
   
   *********AND
   Have a minimum cumulative CPA of 3.0.
   
   **********AND
   
   Have a minimum score of 28 on the Science section of the ACT test.
   

If you meet the requirements, fill out the application, attach it to a copy of your transcript and submit it to the Science Department Chair for approval.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Diploma of Merit

1. The following requirements must be completed during grades 10 - 12 . The applicant must maintain a minimum 3.25 grade point average and a 3.0 average in citizenship point average in all social studies classes. The following courses must be completed:
   
   **********Plan One:
   World Studies (Regular or Honors) 2 semesters
   American Studies 2 semesters
   U.S. Government & Citizenship 1 semester
   Social Studies Electives 3 semesters
   
   *****-And/or-
   
   **********Plan Two:
   
   World Studies (Regular or Honors) 2 semesters
   Advanced Placement Classes 4 semesters (U.S. History, European History, U.S. Government, or Comparative Governments)
2. Applicants must be reviewed and approved by a team of Social Studies teachers.
3. Submit the application to any Social Studies teacher.

Departmental Letter

Applicants must complete all of the requirements for a Diploma of Merit listed above (Plan one or plan two) plus:

1. Applicants must also complete a major research project in cooperation with, and under the direction of a member of the Social Studies Department.
2. Applicants must submit a proposal for their project and choose a Social Studies teacher to be a mentor for their work on the project. (A mentor will be assigned if student does not choose their own.)
3. After the acceptance of the project the student must complete work on their project at least one week before the end of the third term.
4. The final project will be reviewed and approved by a team of Social studies teachers.
   If interested, submit an application form checked with the appropriate blank for Diploma of Merit, Social Studies Letter, or both.

THEATER/COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT--DRAMA

Diploma of Merit/Departmental Letter
**To letter in Drama you have to earn 60 points according to the Thespian Point System. The system is adapted every year. You get points for acting and directing, as well as technical work. Points are also awarded for any drama/debate competitions. Some of the points are as follows: (This is an estimate for Cottonwood Productions only).
***** Lead in a play 40-50
***** Student Director 60
***** Assistant Director 40-50
***** Chorus in musical 10-15
***** Technicians 20-50
***** Make-up/Costumes 5-25
***** Concessions 5-20
** Your points start after graduation/promotion of Junior High School. This means that any theater work you do over the summer will be included. If you have any questions about the point system, or the amount of points you receive for any Community Theater, ask your Thespian Vice President or Dr. Tuckness.

THEATER/COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT--FORENSICS

Diploma of Merit

1. Same requirements as below.
2. Must be in the program for two years.

Departmental Letter

The applicant is required to indicate the date of completion or the specific tournament of completion.

1. Receive 250 points in the National Forensic League.
2. Attend five varsity tournaments.
3. Place in the top eight contestants or teams of any varsity tournament at least one time.
4. Serve 10 hours of squad service.
5. Complete any three of the following:
   a. Spend at least 10 hours coaching novices as approved by the advisor.
   b. Serve as an officer in the CHS Forensics Club.
   c. Receive an extra 100 points in the NFL.
   d. Qualify for the state tournament or receive a Superior at the region tournament. (Place in the top 5 in your event).
   e. Qualify for the national tournament of the NFL.
   f. Win first place in any varsity division event.
   g. Break into elimination rounds in a TOC qualifier tournament.
   h. Receive an Excellent or a Superior at State.
   i. Attend at least ten tournaments in each of at least two school years.

THEATER/COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT--TECHNICAL THEATER

Diploma of Merit/Departmental Letter

1. The student will demonstrate technical competence by successfully operating stage lighting, stage sound, follow-spotlight, fly system, properties, floor crew, or stage manager in at least five major productions at Cottonwood High School Auditorium
2. The student will complete a minimum of 180 hours in one of the above indicated positions at Cottonwood High or approved equivalent high school. Up to 90 of these minimum hours may be at an equivalent high school.
3. The student will demonstrate abilities in set construction carpentry, electrical wiring, rigging, and special effects.
4. The student will successfully complete at least two years enrolled in a high school stage production class at least one of which is at Cottonwood High.

WORLD LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT

Diploma of Merit

1. Have a cumulate GPA in World Languages of 3.5 or higher and have a CPA of 3.0.
2. Complete 6 semesters of World Languages in grades 10,11 or 12 which includes a minimum proficiency level of CC or Level 4 in at least one modern language or 6 semesters in Latin or ASL (American Sign Language).
3. Submit application and a transcript to the Foreign Language Chair for evaluation and signature.

Departmental Letter

1. Students will maintain GPA and CPA requirements required for Diploma of Merit.
2. Students will complete Advanced Placement level in any language.
3. Submit application and a transcript to the World Languages Chair for evaluation and signature.