CLASS RANK, GRADUATION, and HONORS
Class Rank and Grade Point Average (GPA)
Rank in class is determined by the cumulative unweighted numerical average of all grades in accumulated courses. All required and elective courses are utilized in computation of the cumulative non-weighted numerical averages and the high school non-weighted grade point averages (GPA).
Graduation and Baccalaureate Ceremonies
Graduation and Baccalaureate are voluntary ceremonies for seniors who have met the qualifications for graduation from Bainbridge High School in accordance with Decatur County School Board policies. Much effort is made to ensure that both ceremonies are conducted in a very dignified manner. Seniors who elect to participate in these ceremonies must cooperate fully, attend all scheduled practices on time, and follow all rules and procedures. Those who violate practice and/or ceremony rules will forfeit their opportunity to participate.
Baccalaureate
Baccalaureate is sponsored by the Bainbridge and Decatur County Ministers for all potential graduates. Students may participate in the Graduation Ceremony without participating in the Baccalaureate Service.
Graduation
The Graduation Exercise of Bainbridge High School has been described as one of the most significant events in Decatur County. Honor graduates conduct the ceremony, and diplomas are presented by school personnel and members of the Decatur County Board of Education.
Graduation Awards
Two special awards are made each year at graduation. They are the Earl Carr Gragg Award and the Mary Davis Pilot Club Award. The criteria and method of selection are the same for each. A faculty committee is selected to observe members of the senior class and to make the selections. Selections are determined on the basis of the boy and girl in the senior class who come nearest to showing the right spirit and good attitude, who lead clean lives, who apply themselves and try to do the best they can, and who stand for the fine and high things in life.
Honor Graduates
Potential honor graduate candidates will be notified at the end of the first semester of their senior year. In accordance with Board of Education policy, a cumulative grade point average of 90.000 is required to qualify as an Honor Graduate. Official honor graduate status will be awarded after grades from the spring semester are tallied. Honor Graduates are distinguished at graduation with a gold honor cord, stage seating, and an individual introduction.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Potential valedictorian and Salutatorian candidates will be notified at the end of the first semester of their senior year. Official status will be awarded after grades from the spring semester are tallied. The Valedictorian will represent the senior with the highest GPA to the nearest thousandth. The Salutatorian signifies the senior with the second highest GPA to the nearest thousandth. In cases where more than one Valedictorian or Salutatorian candidate has the same GPA honors will be shared. A student must be in attendance at Bainbridge High School their last four semesters (excluding summer school) in order to be a Valedictorian or Salutatorian candidate. The BHS Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be recognized at the graduation ceremony.