**JM-R - STUDENT AWARDS** **Last Updated Date:** 05/27/2014 **Adoption Date:** 01/10/2006 #### Rules, Regulations and Procedures for New Awards 1.         Any new award to be presented to a graduating senior should be proposed at least 10 months in advance of graduation.  The principal’s decision should be finalized by the end of the first semester (on or about January 20) in order to allow time for the high school administration to make any necessary adjustments in the awards program. 2.         In reviewing requests for awards, the principal should consider: a.         Awards should be named only for a person or group who has made a very significant contribution to education at South Hadley High School or to the South Hadley community. b.         Awards should be funded in perpetuity so funds are available to defray the cost of the award over time. Award funds should be held in trust and invested by South Hadley High School under the stewardship of the principal. c.         Any other criteria for the award should be well-defined, in keeping with the mission of the school, and acceptable to the principal. d.         The tradition of South Hadley High School of not releasing the name of award recipients before graduation ceremony (except for the valedictorian and salutatorian) should be considered. e.         Personal feelings regarding individuals or groups should not play a part in influencing decisions regarding graduation awards. #### Approval of Scholarships An individual, business or organization desiring to award a scholarship to a graduating senior must secure School Committee approval before such a scholarship may be presented. A statement containing the name of the donor, the purposes of the scholarship, the amount of the scholarship, the manner in which it is to be paid, the application procedure, the criteria and process for selection should be submitted to the School Committee. The School Committee will make its decision on the basis of criteria such as the following: 1. The scholarship must be offered by a donor acceptable to the School Committee. 2. The scholarship must be given as an appropriate memorial or for worthwhile purposes. 3.   The application and selection procedures must be clearly stated and fair to all members of the eligible group of students. 4.   The application and selection procedures must not result in unreasonable demands being made on the school staff. 5.   The awarding of the scholarship must not result in any hidden costs to the school district. 6.   The awarding of the scholarship must not be in conflict with the law, Title IX or Chapter 622, or School Committee policy nor should it imply an endorsement of any business product or service by the school or by the recipient.