Rule about senior awards night

W

wannafly18

Wannafly18
5-Year Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2014
Messages
27
Hello All, I am sure there is a thread somewhere on this forum about senior awards night, but I cannot find it: My DD was informed by her principal that since she is attending USAFA Prep, her appointment does not meet the standards for an honors night recognition since prep is only for one year. She did let us know that another student with a direct appointment to USNA will be presented with his appointment during the ceremony. I mentioned the other student to clarify that we do not think the refusal to allow the prep award has anything to do with military issues. We wonder if it's the Prep school that's the issue.

My DD's ALO is a bit stunned by the rationale as he says he does the presentations at awards night each year.

My question is if this is pretty much standard policy for most schools to not allow for recognition on senior awards night? At this point, my DD and I do not want anything to get in the way of her diploma and so the last thing we want is some conflict over honors night. More than that, we are curious is our situation is the norm.

Any information would be appreciated.
 
wannafly18 said:
Hello All, I am sure there is a thread somewhere on this forum about senior awards night, but I cannot find it: My DD was informed by her principal that since she is attending USAFA Prep, her appointment does not meet the standards for an honors night recognition since prep is only for one year. She did let us know that another student with a direct appointment to USNA will be presented with his appointment during the ceremony. I mentioned the other student to clarify that we do not think the refusal to allow the prep award has anything to do with military issues. We wonder if it's the Prep school that's the issue.

My DD's ALO is a bit stunned by the rationale as he says he does the presentations at awards night each year.

My question is if this is pretty much standard policy for most schools to not allow for recognition on senior awards night? At this point, my DD and I do not want anything to get in the way of her diploma and so the last thing we want is some conflict over honors night. More than that, we are curious is our situation is the norm.

Any information would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

I think it is safe to say that most high schools have unique protocols regarding which scholarships/awards to recognize at the awards night. I worked at a high school that recognized EVERY award/scholarship including a $50 award from an alum (who spoke for over 20 minutes about herself!). I also worked at a school where only significant ($1000 and up) scholarships were acknowledged.

That being said, while all of us realize the importance and value of a Prep School offer, Prep School is NOT an accredited college. There are NO grades or college classes to transfer to an university if USAFA doesn't work out. While the last school I worked at would certainly acknowledge the Prep School award, Prep School may not meet the recognition criteria for all schools.

I hope it all works out for you and your DD. Best wishes.
 
Each school does its own thing. If that's how your daughter's school does it…. that's just how it is. Don't lose sleep over it.
 
My DS's ALO contacted the counseling office and asked if she could present his appointment at the senior awards night. She was informed that they couldn't take the time at senior awards to make an individual presentation so we did it in a conference room at the school during lunch with a few invited friends and teachers. However at the awards night that same evening another student who is going to the Naval Academy was given an award by her ROTC instructor who managed to work into to his speech that she was going to the Naval Academy and how difficult the process is and what an honor it is, etc - basically the same speech that the ALO wanted to give. As mom I was quite upset that my DS was not recognized the same way. My DS however said, "it doesn't matter. I am still going to the Air Force Academy. My friends and teachers know and the accomplishment is still great. I don't really care if the 600 other kids in my class and their parents know about it or not." Thought that was pretty mature of him.
 
Thanks for the input. We feel the same way that it means so much to get an appointment so we aim to get that diploma and move on. My DD and I laughed that sitting through a grueling ceremony won't change our joy about her accomplishment. We think we are doing the right thing by dropping the conversation altogether.
 
wannafly18 said:
Thanks for the input. We feel the same way that it means so much to get an appointment so we aim to get that diploma and move on. My DD and I laughed that sitting through a grueling ceremony won't change our joy about her accomplishment. We think we are doing the right thing by dropping the conversation altogether.
Click to expand...

dont lose sleep over it. most people at those awards nights arent even paying attention to the ceremony, theyre on their phones LOL. and the people that need to know about it already know anyway. last year we were told by our guidance counselor that the reason they couldnt do it during the academic awards night was because the school didnt want to "offend" people that got regular scholarships. $440K seemed like a lot of money compared to what everyone else was getting. hmm...whatever :biggrin::bang:
 
skismuggs said:
last year we were told by our guidance counselor that the reason they couldnt do it during the academic awards night was because the school didnt want to "offend" people that got regular scholarships. $440K seemed like a lot of money compared to what everyone else was getting. hmm...whatever :biggrin::bang:
Click to expand...

HaHa. Oh well and I think I'd be embarrassed is the presentation included mention of a dollar amount so now I am even more relieved.
 
This is the first year that DD's school is allowing the ALO to present the appointment certificate. It turns out that another student who received a NROTC scholarship worked out a plan to have her Sea Cadet squad present her scholarship during the award ceremony. She didn't get an appointment to USNA, so I think the school decided this would be nice for her (a great accomplishment none the less!) I'm still confused as to why this situation instigated the change, but happy that it did!
 
In the AFA Certificate envelope DS got from the ALO the dollar amount was $180K and referenced the Education component at the AFA mostly. A more palatable and applicable number possibly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top