High School Emphasis Cords

Emphasis & Honors

The graduation emphasis program is available to students who have participated in Quest for Education and Arts during high school and are participating in the Quest Graduation Ceremonies at the end of their high school academic career. We encourage all high school students to apply for an emphasis and honors in an area they enjoy and may want to pursue.

Emphasis Cords, awarded during the graduation banquet, show the student has concentrated academic studies in one or more areas and has excelled in each discipline. Honors Medallions are awarded to students who have applied their knowledge and received real world experience in their chosen discipline. Please note: Honors Medallions are separate from an Honor Society cord.

Students with emphasis cords and honors medallions often receive student awards and scholarships at colleges, higher acceptance rates into honors colleges, and score better on CLEP and AP exams for college credit.

Requirements were revised for the 2023 year. Freshmans in the year of 2021 must utilize the newest requirements. If you were a freshman prior to the year 2021 you may utilize the old or new requirements. Click the links below to view the requirements for each cord and medallion. Apply for emphasis cords using the “Apply Now” button.

All applications are due by April 1st of the student’s senior year. For students using the old requirements, please print out the forms and turn into the office. For students using the new requirements, begin your application with the online form. Documentation is encouraged to begin freshman year. Revisions and edits can be made anytime during your high school experience as you complete coursework.

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