Background
Pittsylvania County Schools is proud to announce the 2013 Graduate of Merit Program.  This is the 14^th year of this outstanding program which helps recognize and acknowledge the accomplishments of graduates who exemplify attributes of achievement, proficiency, character and social development demonstrated through commitment to excellence in education.

The Graduate of Merit program, a great school and community partnership recognizing outstanding young people, received acknowledgement from the Governor of Virginia. The program was the recipient of the 2000 Horizon Award.

Since the inception of the program in 2000, 1,463 students have earned the distinction of graduating as a Graduate of Merit. In 2012, Pittsylvania County Schools awarded Graduate of Merit medallions to 119 students.

Background | Applications | Awards/Scholarships | Sponsorships | Banquet | Flyer

Applications
The application must be submitted to guidance by:

• Last day of September, senior year for EARLY CANDIDATE CONSIDERATION (includes completed application and community service log to date)  OR

• Last day of first semester, senior year

Students must submit their application to their high school by the last day of first semester (2013 Deadline - December 20). Informational meetings with Graduate of Merit candidates will be held at each high school in January 2013 (guidance will notify students of dates).

To be recognized as a Graduate of Merit, a student must earn a minimum of 170 points from the following categories. (Note: Beginning with the Graduating Class of 2013, the student is required to earn a minimum of 170 {previously 155} total points to qualify.) Students must submit their application  to their high school by December 20. Informational meetings with Graduate of Merit candidates will be held at each high school.  

Awards/Scholarships Additional awards to be presented as a part of the Graduate of Merit program are the Pinnacle Award, the Above and Beyond Volunteer Service Scholarships, the Averett University scholarships, the Community Scholarships, Liberty University scholarships, The Institute for Advanced Learning Awards and the Superintendent’s 212 Award. These awards are presented based on availability of secured funds. A goal to improve the program will be to establish additional scholarship awards.
Mrs. Peggy Amos of the John W. Amos Memorial, along with an anonymous donor, presented a scholarship as a component of the Pinnacle Award to Brittnie Cooke of Gretna High. Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Stevens of Dan Valley Foods presented an iPad also. The Pinnacle Award is given to that student with the highest Graduate of Merit points.			The Pinnacle Award is granted to the highest ranked Graduate of Merit recipient. The Superintendent's 212 Award is presented to the top Graduate of Merit recipient(s) based on Graduate of Merit points awarded and ranked. The number of $500 scholarship awards will be based on funding secured.
Graduate of Merit applicants may apply for the Above and Beyond Volunteer Scholarships (ABVS) which recognizes students who volunteer 100 hours or more within one year. Students must meet ABVS criteria for eligible types of volunteer services. Award recipients will receive a certificate of achievement and and Above and Beyond keychain. The top eight (8) ABVS recipients shall receive a $500 scholarship, two scholarships per high school.
Sponsorships To continue to make the Graduate of Merit program a success, Pittsylvania County Schools relies on business and community partnerships. Informational letter, sponsorship form and a listing of the 2013 candidates will be mailed to past contributors and other area businesses, community organizations and churches at the end of January. The individual student sponsorship fee is $100 per student. Contact Tonda Finney at tonda.finney@pcs.k12.va.us if you would like to receive an informational packet.
Banquet/Event The 2013 Graduate of Merit Recognition Ceremony will be in May, 2013 at the Averett University Convocation Center (North Campus on Mount Cross Road). Each recipient will be honored during a public ceremony/banquet. This event is to be held at the end of the final semester and attended by the students, parents, business sponsors and school officials. Permanent notation will be located at the respective schools and businesses.

Forms (Documents are in Word Format)

• Graduate of Merit Application

• Informational Letter to Sponsors:

• Sponsorship form

• Above and Beyond Volunteer Service Award/Scholarship

• Horticulture, Forestry and Biotechnology Award from IALR

• Information Technology Award from IALR

• Candidate Information (Student Information Sheet)

If you have questions, wish to receive an informational packet or need additional information, feel free to contact Mrs. Wanda Vaughan (Extension 5022) or Ms. Tonda Finney (Extension 5007) at 432-2761, 792-1624 or 656-6248.  You may also email Ms. Tonda Finney. Tonda.Finney@pcs.k12.va.us.