Let's be honest, graduation is the ultimate goal of your time at Paschal. But if you just take what you have to and move on, you're missing out. If you have activities that are already important to you, you want to make sure that you are able to continue doing everything you love and still get all your credits in. At times, it can seem impossible, but with the right support and some will power, you can graduate at the top of your class and still do everything you love. In fact, most of our top 10 graduates every year are involved and in several activites other than what's required to graduate.
Success Stories |
Key Considerations |
Sydney Ozuna
Class of 2017 Music and singing have always been a major part of my life, so the decision to be in both choir and band throughout my high school career was an obvious one for me. While academics were always a priority, creative expression was just as important to me as keeping up with my schoolwork, so much that I don’t think I would have been as successful in school without it. I was in choir and band all four years of high school and was heavily involved in both as band Vice President and alto section leader for choir. Not only did these organizations provide me with a creative outlet, but also with plenty of academically and musically gifted friends. Being a committed musician while also having high academic standards takes a special kind of determination and drive, and these were the qualities that I found in many of my friends throughout my high school career. I’m currently studying Journalism at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and am still in multiple musical ensembles as a music minor. Participating in music at Paschal taught me that I don’t have to choose between being a successful student and participating in something I love. |
1. Endorsements
Did you know you can graduate on the distinguished plan with a high GPA and still take a ton of Fine Arts classes? Consider the Arts and Humanities endorsement if you want to take a lot, but Fine Arts have a place in all of the endorsements. Sometimes staying in choir helps you get multiple endorsements. 2. Know the Requirements The state has requirements for various levels of diploma. The district can have even more than that, if they choose. Some courses can be substituted in some circumstances. Colleges, whether in Texas or further out can require whatever they want. It's all about what will get you into the college that you want. Always make sure your AP and DC classes will get you the college credit you want. Some schools require certain test scores and some even require that you take their courses regardless. Visit Set Your Course and Graduation Plan Ideas for more information from FWISD. 3. Talk to People that are in the Know Your counselor is a great resource for discovering which classes are going to serve you best. If choir is a priority, make sure they know that and they can help you find a way to make it work. Your choir directors have been through it and go through it vicariously with our graduates every year. We know how and we can help. Communicate with your prospective university to make sure that those extra hard classes you're taking for college credit will transfer. |
