GCPS Class of 2017: More than 12,100 seniors prepare for graduation

“The Class of 2017 is one in which Gwinnett County Public Schools and the greater Gwinnett community can take great pride,” says CEO/Superintendent Alvin Wilbanks. “This is a highly decorated class in terms of scholarships and accomplishments. They are among the best prepared of any graduating class and are prepared for the next chapter in their lives. We wish them well and congratulate them on their hard work and persistence, knowing they are ready for the future. And, while the focus is on the graduates at this time of year, I also would like to thank their families, the thousands of dedicated teachers, and the committed administrators who provided support and guidance to them throughout the years.”

The senior report for the Class of 2017 shows that:

• 85% of the students graduating this year report that they plan to continue their education by attending college or postsecondary schools. The vast majority, or 85% of them, plans to attend college in Georgia.

• The seniors who plan to continue their education have been offered, as of April of 2017, more than $181 million in academic, athletic, and military scholarships.

• The majority of the scholarship amount, more than $94 million, was earned for academic achievement. Gwinnett students also received nearly $80 million in athletic scholarships, and more than $7.6 million due to military appointments. The monetary awards do not include HOPE or QuestBridge Scholarship recipients.

• As of May of 2017, 19 Gwinnett seniors earned a full scholarship through the QuestBridge College Match Program. Five of the seniors are Archer High School graduates.

• 19 Gwinnett students received military appointments. The students are:

• Mill Creek High graduates the largest class this year with 952 students, followed by Brookwood High with 786, and Norcross High with 755

• The Class of 2017 also includes 3,092 Honor Graduates, who are graduating with a grade percent average of 90 or better.

• During their high school career, 6,982 seniors took Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 3,341 scored a 3 or above on an AP Exam.

• While members of the Class of 2017 were working on their high school diploma, 891 of them also earned college credit through the state’s Move On When Ready (MOWR) dual enrollment program.

Several of these honor students were recognized as the highest ranking students in their school, earning the title of valedictorian or salutatorian. They are:

The graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2017 will take place as follows:

*Memorial Day