By BRAD BERGSTROM

Austin High School Principal

Each year as the weather gets warmer, the students and staff at Austin High School begin to look forward to the end of the school year and taking some time off. In addition to looking forward to summer vacation, the staff and students also look forward to the Graduation Commencement. Graduation is a time to celebrate the academic accomplishments of the seniors as well as a time to reflect back on all the memories that have been created. From Homecoming to Prom, each day of high school is filled with number of activities that make up what is commonly known as the “High School Experience.”

In addition to reflecting on the memories, students that graduate from high school have also accomplished a number of academic goals as well. In order to graduate with a diploma, students in the Class of 2011 must have completed 24 credits and also passed state issued tests in the areas of writing, reading, and mathematics. The 24 credits they need to meet are as follows:

—Four years of Language Arts including a speaking, writing, and literature course in 11th and 12th grades;

—Four years of Social Studies;

—Three years of Science

—Three years of Math

—One year of Physical Education

—One year of Fine Arts which could include Art, Graphic Arts, or Music;

—One semester of Health;

—7.5 semesters of Elective Classes

While these are the minimum credits needed, most of the students graduating have completed more than 24 credits including having taken college and Advanced Placement courses. In addition, some members of the Class of 2011 have also completed an Associate of Arts Degree through Riverland Community College at the same time they have been earning their high school diploma.

The Class of 2011 has left a lasting imprint on Austin High School and I want to congratulate each of the almost 300 graduates on earning their high school diploma and wish them the best of luck in their future. The graduation ceremony will be held at Riverside Arena on Friday, June 3, 2011, at 7 p.m. with the doors opening up for the public at 6 p.m.