SENIOR SCHOLAR AWARD

Beginning with the Class of 2026 

Western Dubuque High School proudly recognizes outstanding seniors through the Senior Awards Program, which honors students for academic excellence and community service at graduation. Eligible students are recognized during the graduation ceremony and in the official graduation program. 

1. Senior Scholar Award 

The Senior Scholar Award is the highest distinction awarded at Cascade High School. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  1. Graduate with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75 

  2. Earn college readiness benchmark scores on all ACT subject tests:    

  • English: 18 

  • Math: 22 

  • Reading: 22 

  • Science: 23 
    Students may use scores from practice ACT tests taken at WDHS/CHS in grades 10 or 11, or from official ACT tests. It is the student’s responsibility to provide official ACT scores to the school. 

  1. Complete 120 hours of community service during high school. 

Recognition: 

  • Wear a stole and medal at graduation 

  • Recognized in the graduation program as a Senior Scholar Award recipient 

ACADEMIC CORD AWARD

The Academic Cord Award recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic achievement. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  1. Graduate with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75

  2. Earn college readiness benchmark scores on all ACT subject tests:  

  • English: 18 

  • Math: 22 

  • Reading: 22 

  • Science: 23 

Recognition: 

  • Wear a white academic cord at graduation 

  • Recognized in the graduation program as an Academic Cord recipient 

SILVER CORD AWARD

The Silver Cord Award honors students for their commitment to community service. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  1. Complete 120 hours of approved community service during high school 

  2. Up to 15 community service hours per year may be earned through participation in high school leadership activities 

Responsibilities: 

  • Students must submit community service hours annually 

  • Each activity must be reported using a WDHS Community Service Hours Submittal Form 

  • It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all hours are properly documented and submitted to the office 

Recognition: 

  • Wear a silver cord at graduation 

  • Recognized in the graduation program as a Silver Cord Award recipient 

    *More information can be found under "Students" on the Western Dubuque High School's Website.