It's the end of an era. Seniors across Gwinnett County will don their caps and gowns this week and receive their high school diplomas. The class of 2008 marks the largest number of graduating seniors the county has ever seen. Here's a breakdown:

8,500: Number of graduates from Gwinnett County Public Schools(Approximate)

89%: Those who plan to attend college or other post-secondary school

$88 million: Academic, athletic and military scholarships (more than half is academic money)

27: Military appointments (six students to the U.S. Air Force Academy, 10 to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, eight to the U.S. Naval Academy and three to the Merchant Marine Academy.)

19%: Honor graduates

40%: Took Advanced Placement classes

759: Largest graduating class: Collins Hill High

Source: Gwinnett County Public Schools

For more coverage, see inside for school valedictorians, special award winners and more. J10-12

 WALTER CUMMING / Staff
Illustration of a student holding a diploma.