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Senior Events

2026 Graduation Speech Application

Please read all the information on this application.

Candidate Requirements

To be considered as a candidate you must:

  1. Write an appropriate speech using “Breaking Ground on Our Next Chapter” as a topic.
  2. Find three teachers we could reach out to that would recommend you as a graduation speaker.
  3. Write a 3-4 sentence summary telling why you are interested in speaking.
  4. Email required documents and information by April 20 at 3:25 pm.
  5. Have a rough draft copy of your speech completed for tryouts.
  6. Be prepared to attend a tryout after school or before school April 21-24. The time slots will depend on applicants.
  7. Be prepared to work on your speech with teachers if selected as graduation speaker.

Speech Requirements

Your speech should fulfill the following requirements:

  1. Be school and formal event appropriate (graduation).
  2. Be on the topic of “Breaking Ground on Our Next Chapter”.
  3. Be 2-3 minutes in length, performed (so double-spaced, about 1.5-2 pages).
  4. Include at least one quote to emphasize your theme.
  5. Be completely original – NO AI should be used for this speech.
  6. Address your entire class – don’t make it all about you!

Actions and Dates

By April 20 at 3:25pm: Email rachel.rush-holl@maryville-schools.org with:

  • Three teachers listed for recommendations.
  • The brief 3-4 sentence summary telling us why you are interested in speaking.
  • A solid draft of your speech.

Your email should have your name in the subject line. Please include any specific needs for your tryout time (i.e., a school obligation or event).

You will receive an email by the next morning giving you your tryout time and location.

Good luck! We look forward to seeing what you come up with and working with you soon.

– The Senior Events Committee

Senior Yearbook Ad Information

The 2025-2026 Maryville High School yearbook staff would like to give you and members of your family the opportunity to congratulate your graduating senior with Senior Congratulatory Ads. This is an advertisement purchased by you which will appear in the 2026 Appalachian. Please see enclosed pages for examples of these options.  

Senior Information 2025-26

Senior Presentation.Open House 2025 by Jennifer Abernathy

Senior Checklist

Graduating With Distinction

Maryville High School recognizes seniors who demonstrate academic excellence and notable achievement through the Graduating with Distinction honor. Students who earn this recognition will be acknowledged at commencement and will have an asterisk symbol next to their names in the printed program.

What It Is

Graduating with Distinction is an academic recognition for seniors who maintain a strong GPA and complete at least one qualifying achievement listed below.

How to Qualify

Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and complete at least one of the following. Submit the indicated verification with your form.

  • Earn a nationally recognized industry certification (submit a copy of the certification)
  • Participate in a Governor’s School (submit an official Governor’s School transcript)
  • Participate in a state All-State musical organization (verification by the school’s music teacher)
  • Be selected as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist (verification by a school counselor)
  • Achieve a composite score of 31 or higher on the ACT (scores verified through the counseling office)
  • Earn a score of 3 or higher on at least two Advanced Placement exams (scores verified through the counseling office)
  • Complete 12 or more semester hours of postsecondary credit (submit an official college transcript or obtain counselor verification)

What You Receive

Qualifying students will be honored at commencement and will have an asterisk next to their names in the official graduation program.

How to Apply

Complete the Graduating with Distinction form and submit it, along with the required verification documents, to the school counseling office by the posted deadline.

Questions? Contact the counseling office.