October 6, 2008

News Release


TISD Students Earn International Baccalaureate Diploma

           The Tyler Independent School District is proud to announce the 2008 High School Graduates of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB).  Five students from John Tyler High School received the IB Diploma from the IB Organization in Geneva, Switzerland late this summer for this past school year. The students are Jeffrey Davis, Blake Hampton, Aaron H. Hanna, Allie Smith and Jacquelynn Wade.

Tyler ISD will commemorate the 2008 final John Tyler IB Diploma students with their picture and a plaque to be placed at John Tyler High School.  

“These young people take their place beside the previous years’ diploma graduates and are given great respect from all who evaluate the very challenging accomplishment they have earned,” said Chalna Trawick, Director of Advanced Studies for Tyler ISD.

IB students are required to study at least 6 IB two-year courses, while also completing one hundred and fifty community-action-service hours (CAS); taking the Theory of Knowledge course the senior year; and, over a year’s time, developing an extended essay on a research topic of interest in the world.

            Graduate Jeffrey Davis confirmed, “I will be using my IB Diploma to receive 32 hours of credit which will take care of much of my core curriculum required by Texas
A & M University.  The IB has prepared me for college and life with an interest in learning, a global mindset, an exceptional work ethic, the ability to think for myself and to form my own opinions and beliefs, and the knowledge that I can attain any goal that I set for myself.”

According to officials in the office of undergraduate admissions at Duke University, “One of the advantages of an IB curriculum is its structure and quality.  It is a coordinated program, well established, well known and well respected.  We know the quality of IB courses, and we think the IB curriculum is terrific.”

The graduates who now are college students in their respective universities reflect character, higher level and creative thinking, confidence, and an understanding of connections to academics as vital to the world in which they will live. 

Jeffrey Davis is currently attending Texas A & M University and pursuing a major in Chemistry and a minor in music. Blake Hampton is currently attending the University of North Texas and pursuing a major in Communication Design.  Aaron H. Hanna is currently attending the Stephen F. Austin State University and pursing a major in Theater and Philosophy. Allie Smith is currently attending the University of North Texas and pursuing a major in English/Creative Writing and a minor in French/Art. Jacquelynn Wade is currently attending Stephen F. Austin State University and pursuing a major in English/Creative Writing.

 All previous IB students are invited to the December Tyler School Board meeting on December 18th at the Jim Plyler Instructional Center where these five Diploma graduates will be honored, as well as all previous John Tyler IB students who will be recognized. 

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