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Academic Sweatshirts

Academic Sweatshirts

Academic Sweatshirts, are awarded during junior year. The sweatshirt recognizes students who complete their sophomore year with a cumulative 3.8 GPA or higher. The cumulative GPA used for this determination is the same GPA that FWISD reports on the student's transcripts at the end of their 12th-grade year. The cumulative GPA, as the criteria, is not only the most accurate reflection of the student's holistic academic performance, but cumulative GPA is the most equitable way to recognize academic achievement of all students. Students attaining this level of distinction receive a special sweatshirt with their high school letters, the academic banner, and the student's monogram embroidered on the sleeve.  

This program began in 1989 recognizing just 100 students. Since then, FWISD has recognized more than 7,000 students for academic excellence through the Academic Sweatshirt Scholar program.

Ann Brannon Award

Ann Brannon Award

The College, Career, Military Readiness Department is continuing a tradition whose origin dates back to 1976. The initiative, the Ann Brannon Awards Program, provides opportunities to recognize students who have demonstrated significant improvement and outstanding achievement.

This awards program – initially implemented by former elementary teacher and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Ann Brannon – honors 4% of students in grades 3 through 12 at all campuses that met or exceeded the following criteria:

  • Achievement reflected by grades, test score, performances in contest or competitions

  • Most improvement during the school year in a subject or area

Ann Brannon, a former elementary school teacher, was the Fort Worth Independent School District Assistant Superintendent for Instruction.  In 1976, she developed the idea of recognizing and awarding students who have shown the most improvement or outstanding achievement in their academic studies.  When she retired in 1982, the district named these awards in her honor. 

The Ann Brannon award may be worn at high school graduation.

Superintendent Scholars

Superintendent Scholars

In order to receive the Superintendent’s Scholars Award, students must qualify for at least one of the categories below no later than the Fall semester of their 12th-grade year.

  • National Merit Semifinalists - These students are identified by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. These students are generally in the 99th percentile of the PSAT/NMSQT.
  • National Merit Commended Students - These students are identified by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. These students are generally in the 97th percentile and above.
  • FWISD Hispanic Scholars - This program honors exceptional academic achievement by Hispanic high school seniors. Total scores of 1200 or higher on the PSAT/NMSQT are used to identify these academically promising students. Students must take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall of 11th grade and score 1200 (Top 10% in Texas) with an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or earned a score of 3 or higher on 2 or more AP Exams with an unweighted GPA of 3.5.
  • FWISD African-American Scholars - This program honors exceptional academic achievement by African-American high school seniors. Total scores of 1200 or higher on the PSAT/NMSQT at the same level as National Hispanic Scholars are used to identify these academically promising students. Students must take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall of 11th grade and score 1200 (Top 10% in Texas) with an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or earned a score of 3 or higher on 2 or more AP Exams with an unweighted GPA of 3.5.
  • FWISD Indigenous Scholars - This program honors exceptional academic achievement by Alaska Native, Native American, or Native Hawaiian high school seniors. Students must take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall of 11th grade and score 1200 (Top 10% in Texas) with an unweighted GPA of 3.5 and or earned a score of 3 or higher on 2 or more AP Exams with an unweighted GPA of 3.5.
  • AP Scholar Award – students who earn a score of 3 or higher on at least three AP exams.
  • Dual Credit Scholar Awards - students who have successfully completed and passed at least 9 credit hours of college courses.
  • On-Ramps Scholar Awards - students who have successfully completed and passed at least 9 credit hours of college courses.

Being selected for these distinguished honors places our students in the top academic echelon of the District. Each scholar receives a stole to be worn as part of the student’s graduation regalia.

Associate of Arts Degree Medals

Associate of Arts Degree

Students who have completed the requirements of the Associate of Arts degree at Tarrant County College will receive a Gold Medal to recognize this distinction. The medal may be worn at high school graduation.

Dual Credit Distinction

Students who have completed 30 or more college hours will receive a cord to celebrate this distinction.  The cord may be worn at high school graduation.

OnRamps Distinction

Students who have completed and transcribed 1or more college hours through the University of Texas OnRamps program will receive a cord to celebrate this distinction.  The cord may be worn at high school graduation.