(Carrollton, Ga. April 28, 2016) Central High School was named an International Skills Diploma Seal School by the Georgia Department of Education. State School Superintendent Mr. Richard Woods recognized Central High School in Atlanta at a special ceremony at the Georgia Department of Education on April 19, 2016. Only 62 high schools in Georgia were awarded the opportunity to award this diploma seal to graduating seniors.
“Several Central High School seniors have been working to earn the diploma seal this school year ever since we learned that our application and process to award the seal were approved by the Georgia Department of Education,” stated program coordinator and Science Department Chair, Dr. Cynthia Beers. She continued, “Our students have the opportunity to learn more about other cultures, the international economy, perform service projects, and how to be globally competitive in the world they are soon to enter as adults.”
“We selected senior Sydney Stone to represent Central High School during the International Skills Diploma Seal (ISDS) ceremony because she represents our vision of a model student preparing herself for life in a rapidly changing global society. Sydney has embraced the challenge of developing a deeper understanding of international issues and cultures while developing new crosscultural skills that will provide a skill set necessary for her future endeavors,” said Principal Mr. Jared Griffis.
In preparing Georgia students for a global economy, it is important for students to acquire the interdisciplinary skills they need to be globally competent and competitive. The International Skills Diploma Seal is awarded to graduating high school students who complete the international education curriculum and engage in extracurricular activities and experiences that foster the achievement of global competencies. It is a signal to employers and higher education institutions that a student is prepared to participate in the global economy.
Aside from completing three years of Spanish and five courses with a global focus, Sydney Stone worked closely with international club members over the last few months to earn this newly offered seal. “The International Diploma Skills Diploma Seal is an honor that I have pursued with intentional effort, hoping to not simply meet the assigned requirements, but to develop a new understanding of the vast world and people around me. As I strive to experience new cultures that widen my perspective and push me out of my comfort zone. This journey through the ISDS process has allowed me to reflect deeply on how the world is interconnected and, as a result, I have developed global competencies that will serve me in all of my future endeavors,” said Sydney Stone, International Skills Diploma Seal recipient.
“We feel our students are off to a good start in the ISDS program. We are looking to broaden the courses, experiences, and opportunities offered to our students in the coming years,” said Mr. Griffis. “We believe that our students who embrace this opportunity will enter the world prepared to be competitive in the global economy.”
Four graduating seniors in the Class of 2016 have completed all requirements to earn the diploma seal. Currently, 15 juniors have begun the process of earning the diploma seal and should complete the requirements midyear next school year.
Press Release
