Spartans gather on the stage to be recognized at the Honor Roll Assembly. photo by Will Forrester
TJ students receive recognition for their academic achievements during a special assembly.
Thomas Jefferson High School held an honor roll assembly on Tuesday, September 2nd to recognize students who achieved a 3.0 or higher GPA in the 2015 spring semester. The assembly called upon students in separate groups in terms of GPA and also covered academic letters and 1st team All State athletes. In all, 43% of TJ students made honor roll, something Principal Suzanne Morris-Sherer claimed was “unheard of in a high school.”
As the new academic year kicked off, TJ reflected on the past achievements of students and also focused on the growth of the school as a whole. Morris-Sherer felt it necessary to observe students’ past accomplishments and urged them to carry their same momentum into the upcoming school year: “I think it’s important always to recognize students achievements and that is one of the many ways we do it here at TJ.” For the first time, students who the made honor roll were separated into four categories based on their GPA. The sections included bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Students who achieved platinum status (4.5 GPA and above) were asked to sit on the stage and had their names called individually, about 30 in all.
In addition to those who made honor roll, a select group of students were called for both academic letters and 1st team all state. In order to obtain an academic letter, students must have maintained a GPA above a 3.5 for three or more consecutive semesters. First team All State consisted of juniors who had a 3.6 or higher GPA and participated in a varsity sport.
The substantial amount of students who went to honor roll and received letters indicated the growing reputation of TJ, and highlighted students’ growing desire to reach their highest potential. “We expect students to work, we’re holding them to that high expectation. Every day they’re challenged and pushed,” said Morris-Sherer, later adding, “We want student to be the best they can be when they leave this building.” TJ continues to climb the ladder and is now becoming a model school within DPS. Morris-Sherer complimented the students themselves for resembling the image of a Spartan, claiming, “they aspire to achieve and I think that’s evident. They come to school to be ready for the next chapter in their lives.” As TJ students continue working diligently throughout the year, the next honor roll should be a cause for great celebration.
