Throughout high school each student finds their own drive to channel into their own passion. Whether interested in club leadership, academic rigor, sports or striving for induction into honor societies, there is a shared mentality toward growth and achievement for all. For students it’s all about the consistent dedication to their own fields of interest. 

Here at Woodland there are many honor societies that a student can get inducted into, whether they take an interest in art or history, music or math, science or journalism or something else there truly is something for everyone. For those who strive for induction into honor societies, they will receive cords upon their graduation to wear. Each cord symbolizes a student’s hard work and dedication to a specific area of learning. If they are in the honor society for multiple years they may also receive pins to put on their gown at graduation. 

Another way to receive cords is by completing one of Woodland’s five pathways: computer science and engineering, construction, manufacturing and technology, EMT, CNA and health professionals. These cords are awarded for students who meet certain requirements along the way to graduation. There is a certain number of classes and credits that a student must complete in order to receive their cords. 

There are also awards for those who go above and beyond: finishing top two in the class, choosing to serve, or being a part of class council. All of these students receive a stole, which is a long scarf like garment that they wear upon their shoulders at graduation. The student who finishes second in the class is awarded a salutatorian stole and the student who finishes first is awarded a valedictorian stole. People on class council are also awarded a stole for their respective positions as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Historian. Lastly, stoles are bestowed upon those who are going to serve the country in a branch of the military. 

 For those who take an interest in sports they may also receive awards such as all Naugatuck Valley League medals, all-state medals, or state rings depending on their team and individual successes throughout their seasons. 

No matter if students receive a cord, stole, or medal each student still has great success throughout their high school career. Each student still has to complete multiple graduation requirements for many different classes and students may also choose to participate in clubs, jobs, sports or organizations outside of school in which they would not receive something of this nature. 

For this year’s senior class so many are involved in numerous activities and it is no doubt that the cap and gowns will shine bright at this year’s graduation ceremony.