Gwinnett school district celebrates graduating seniors

As the 12,736 students graduating from Gwinnett County Public Schools celebrate with virtual ceremonies this week, the district compiled some statistics highlighting their achievements.

After 13 years of hard work during their K-12 academic careers, the effects of the global pandemic forced them to endure a difficult and unusual ending which makes their accomplishments even more impressive and worthy of celebration, said school officials.

“The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed where and how this year’s senior class completed their high school career, but it cannot take away all that they have accomplished. These students made lasting contributions to our schools— earning prestigious awards and scholarships, state championships, and more,” said CEO/Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks. “As important, they established themselves as civic-minded individuals who contributed to our community through service to others, leadership opportunities, and giving back to Gwinnett. I applaud them for their accomplishments and extend my deep appreciation to the families who supported and encouraged them during their academic career. I also salute the thousands of educators who gave their all to these students, helping these graduates to thrive and to be prepared for their futures.”

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The senior report for the Class of 2020 shows that:

• 81.5% of the students graduating this year report that they plan to continue their education by attending college or post-secondary schools. Of those, 85.7 % plan to attend college in Georgia.

• These seniors have been offered, as of April 2020, more than $204.9 million in academic, athletic, and military scholarships.

• The majority of the scholarship amount, more than $105 million, was earned for academic achievement. Gwinnett students also received more than $92.3 million in athletic scholarships, and more than $7.5 million due to military appointments. These monetary awards do not include HOPE, or full-tuition scholarships associated with the Posse, QuestBridge, or Gates scholarship programs.

• Mill Creek High graduates the largest class this year with 866 students, closely followed by Brookwood High with 839, and Peachtree Ridge High with 808.

• The Class of 2020 also includes 3,672 Honor Graduates, who are graduating with a grade percent average of 90 or better.

• During high school, 6,756 seniors took Advanced Placement courses.