Center Grove High School (CGHS) plans to graduate 629 students on Saturday, July 11 at 10 a.m. in the high school’s Ray Skillman Football Stadium. A rain date is planned for Sunday, July 12 at 2 p.m. The CGHS class of 2020 valedictorian is Vinay Bhamidipati. Bhamidipati ended the school year with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.846. He plans to attend Purdue University to study computer engineering. The 2020 CGHS salutatorian is Anna Puderbaugh who finished with a GPA of 4.81. Puderbaugh plans to attend the University of Kentucky, where she will study neuroscience/pre-medical.
One graduate plans to attend a U.S. service academy. Philip Golder has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Two students are enrolling in an ROTC program: Luke Schmitt (Army) and Lindsey Howard (Air Force). Ten students have shared plans to enlist in the military.
“In the most unusual ending to a school year I have ever experienced in my career, I remain optimistic about the future, knowing that this class of fine young adults will be leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Jeff Henderson, principal. “They may have left the halls of CGHS prematurely and without so many of the traditional experiences of a “normal” year, but I am confident that they have the compassion, conviction and preparation to leave their mark on the world, no matter what they choose to pursue after high school. I wish them every success as they discover what the future holds for them.”
Among the graduates, 317 seniors will receive Core 40 with Academic Honors diplomas and 25 will receive the Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas. To qualify for Academic Honors, students must meet additional requirements beyond the state mandates for a Core 40 diploma, earn a total of at least 47 credits that are recommended to include additional math, world language and fine arts credits and earn a GPA of a B or better. Technical Honors recipients must also meet state mandates for a Core 40 diploma, earn a total of at least 47 credits that are recommended to include additional math and world language credits, earn a GPA of a B or better, and complete either dual credits in a technical area or additional career-readiness criteria.
Forty-five seniors will receive an Associate Degree in general studies from Vincennes University, along with their high school diploma, through the CGHS Early College program. Sixty-three students will receive a 30-hour General Education Core Certificate, which means they met all requirements for general education courses at all state universities in Indiana.
