SAVE THE DATE!
Senior Graduation Ceremony
Date: Thursday, May 21, 4 or 4:30 pm
Location:
William Jessup University Events Center
2121 University Ave, Rocklin, CA 95765
Please note: this location does not allow glitter, confetti, or horns. Balloons will need to stay in vehicles during the ceremony.
More details will be posted here in early 2026!
Graduation Awards & Recognitions
Name of Award
Recognition, Cord & Stole Colors
Description of Award
Cottonwood Academic
Excellence Award
Students will receive a
green & white cord
for graduation
12th grade award for students who earn a 3.75 or better GPA and complete a College/Career Indicator (CCI) GPA: will be calculated after the first 7 semesters of high school (following the Fall semester of 12th grade.) CCI: Students must have a CCI “Prepared” status by the end of the Spring semester of 12th grade.
A – G Completion
Students will receive a
forest green cord
for graduation
The A-G requirements are a set of high school courses students must complete with a grade of C or better to qualify for admission to UC and CSU. Students need 15 yearlong courses, with at least 11 finished before their senior year:
- History: 2 years
- English: 4 years
- Mathematics: 3 years (4 recommended)
- Laboratory Science: 2 years (3 recommended)
- Foreign Language: 2 years (3 recommended)
- Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year
- College Prep Elective: 1 year
Seal of Biliteracy
Students will receive a
white cord
for graduation and a
seal on their diploma
This recognition honors high school graduates who have achieved proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English.
National Honor Society
Students will receive a
blue and gold cord
for graduation
The National Honor Society (NHS) recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in leadership, service, character, and scholarship. NHS membership is a prestigious honor and is highly regarded by colleges and the community.
- 3.5 GPA
CTE Completer
Students will receive an
orange cord
for graduation
Students who complete a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway are recognized for their dedication to a program of study that integrates academic knowledge with technical and occupational skills. This pathway provides students with a solid foundation for postsecondary education and career readiness.
Golden State Seal Merit Diploma
Students will receive a
gold cord
for graduation and a
seal on their diploma
The Golden State Seal Merit Diploma (GSSMD) is awarded by the California State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to recognize students who have demonstrated mastery in at least six subject areas, including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and U.S. History.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian
The valedictorian receives a gold stole and has the opportunity to give a speech at graduation.*
The salutatorian receives a white stole and has the opportunity to give a speech at graduation.*
To qualify for Valedictorian or Salutatorian, students must meet the following requirements:
- Complete a minimum of 120 units at The Cottonwood School
- Must be in 12th grade (11th-grade students graduating early do not qualify)
- Must have completed all A-G requirements
- Fall graduates of 12th grade cannot qualify
- Valedictorian is the student with the highest weighted GPA after the first semester of 12th grade
- A salutatorian is the student with the second-highest weighted GPA after the first semester of 12th grade
- In the event of a tie, Co-Valedictorians will be named.